#HereForBusiness support package helps Stockport companies to navigate cost of living crisis

Businesses in Stockport facing challenges with increasing costs can access high quality support right on their doorstep with the new #HereForBusiness campaign.

GC Business Growth Hub has launched this new support package to help local businesses to manage the increasing cost of doing business, together with Greater Manchester Combined Authority, the Greater Manchester Business Board (LEP), local authorities and business representative organisations.

#HereForBusiness brings together support and practical solutions for Stockport’s business community, which includes over 2,700 SMEs, to help them deal with energy price rises and other increasing costs.

With a dedicated advisor on the ground in Stockport, the support can be tailored to local challenges and opportunities.

A ‘Strive & Thrive’ workshop will take place at Stockport Central Library, Wellington Road South on 17th January between 4.30pm and 6.30pm.

The session focuses on financial resilience and is aimed at businesses that provide everyday essential services, such as food retail, care sector, health and beauty and retail.

Other support being offered by #HereForBusiness includes:

• A series of webinars which will help companies develop a plan to respond to the current economic situation, focusing on areas such as energy management, financial planning, and people and cost management. A library of previous webinars is available to view on the website.
• One to one support from advisors, supporting businesses with practical solutions to the immediate challenges businesses are facing, along with longer-term planning, bespoke to their sector.
• Access to Finance, which works with businesses to understand their costs, their cashflow and their income patterns with the aim of helping business owners understand where efficiencies can be made, where costs can be reduced and enabling the finance cycle to work in the best way for the business.

Cllr Colin MacAlister, Stockport Council’s Cabinet Member for Economy and Regeneration, said:

“Stockport’s businesses have already shown so much resilience through the challenges of recent years, but the difficulties we are all facing this winter with energy bills and other increasing costs can seem overwhelming. That is why it is so important that there are schemes like #HereForBusiness to signpost the right support.

“If you have any concerns about the immediate future, whether it is with regards to paying bills, achieving growth, reducing costs or improving productivity, there are high quality resources available right on your doorstep for you. Now is the best time to start to take advantage of what’s out there.”

Lou Cordwell, Chair of the Greater Manchester Business Board, said:

“During difficult times, businesses in Greater Manchester have always pulled together and supported each other. The cost-of-living crisis is exactly the kind of situation where that collective support is so crucial. The help provided through the #HereForBusiness campaign could be the difference between a long, hard winter and being able to plan for growth. Business leaders in Stockport should get in touch today to see what resources they can access.”

Janine Smith, Director of the GC Business Growth Hub, said:

“As we head towards winter, rising energy bills and supply chain prices are causing real challenges for businesses here in Stockport and around the country. But support is available and it’s crucial to act sooner rather than later to start to access this help rather than wait until the new year when the situation could be even more difficult.

“#HereForBusiness has resources and tailored support available for businesses, whatever they are facing right now, whether it’s focusing on getting through this current crisis or planning for how to keep their growth plans on track with an uncertain landscape ahead of them. It’s available in various formats to suit your needs and availability and the local expertise to make a real difference.”

Visit the Business Growth Hub website to find out more about the support that’s available for Stockport businesses and for further information about the organisations other services available.

Alternatively, contact a #HereForBusiness advisor on 0161 237 4128, email hereforbusiness@growthco.uk for more information or to book a 1-2-1 session.