Merseyway Innovation Centre welcomes first occupiers

The developer of a people insight platform designed to help businesses improve employee journeys has become one of the first organisations to occupy office space in the recently completed Merseyway Innovation Centre.  

New Possible moved into the innovation centre earlier in October 2023, as part of its scale-up strategy for the next two years. Launched in 2021, the business uses artificial intelligence and people insights to help business leaders across a wide range of sectors and countries understand how to get the highest levels of engagement and productivity from their employees, specialising in the engineering, hospitality, and financial sectors.

The move coincides with Viaduct Care, a not-for-profit GP federation owned by 33 GP practices across Stockport, taking a large office at the innovation centre. The centre, which repurposes disused retail units in the Merseyway Shopping Centre, offers flexible accommodation from coworking space to shared offices, and individual units from 100 to 570 sq ft, plus a 1,000 sq ft business lounge.

Nate Harwood, founder and CEO of New Possible, said:

“We’d been exploring the next steps on our business journey for some time and knew we needed a dedicated but scalable space which can expands as our business does, and which is modern, accessible, and offers great transport connections. Merseyway Innovation Centre proved to be the perfect spot.

“One of the most appealing parts of Merseyway Innovation Centre is the support available from the team, who’re on-hand to provide advice about how we can grow. We’re already working closely together with them, and they’ve shown a true interest in getting to know the intricacies of our business so that they can help us meet our ambitions.

“Having lived and worked in and around Stockport for the last nine years, the centre is proof that it’s the best place to be for businesses like ours right now.”

Rob Kates, centre manager at Merseyway Innovation Centre, said:

“It’s a pleasure to welcome the teams from New Possible and Viaduct Care – prime examples of the innovative entrepreneurship driving forward Stockport’s business community.

“The centre is designed for those who want to utilise a collaborative space to make strong connections with businesses that share their passion and creativity. In the coming weeks as we prepare to welcome more occupants to the space, we look forward to seeing those valuable interactions lead to great things for local businesses.”  

Cllr Colin Macalister, Cabinet Member for Economy and Regeneration at Stockport Council, said:

“Merseyway Innovation Centre is already proving to be a true success story in Stockport’s Economic Plan. I’m thrilled that it is now open for business welcoming occupants, assisting the sustained growth of young businesses in the area.”

Oxford Innovation Space will manage Merseyway Innovation Centre on behalf of Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council, as part of the Innovate Stockport portfolio, which includes Stockport Business & Innovation Centre at Broadstone Mill and Merchants House in the Market Place.

Merseyway Innovation Centre has been made possible through funding from the EU’s European Regional Development Fund (via Northern Powerhouse), Stockport Council and from the Department for Culture, Media & Sport’s Cultural Development Fund managed by Arts Council England.