MICHELLE MONE OBE VISITS ENTREPRENEURS AT INNOVATION CENTRE

British entrepreneur and leading businesswoman Michelle Mone OBE, founder of the Ultimo lingerie company, has met businesses and managers at the Stockport Business and Innovation Centre (SBIC) in Reddish.

The visit forms part of her North West review tour and the Government’s initiative aimed at tackling the barriers local entrepreneurs face when starting a successful business and examining how it can support more people from disadvantaged communities to become their own boss and make the most of the UK’s entrepreneurial heritage. Ms Mone was chosen to lead the review after having overcome a number of barriers on her road to success.  

From left: Tony Corcoran (Director: SBIC), Helen Walters (Growth Manager, Stockport Council), John Booth sitting (Centre Manager SBIC) with Michelle.

Michelle was introduced to the SBIC management team, Stockport Council representatives and a variety of small businesses from the centre’s thriving 50-business strong community in the council owned innovative centre. Part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund, it is a good example of how a combination of business space supported by mentoring services can give young entrepreneurs the very best start possible.

Ms Mone, who left school at fifteen to pursue a modelling career before creating her own globally successful business, commented:

“A truly modern and successful economy needs to be able to unleash the entrepreneurial energy and skills of everyone in society. That’s why I’m here to talk to Stockport’s entrepreneurs about they think the biggest barriers are to turning a good idea into a flourishing business.”

The UK is rated as the best place in Europe and one of the best places in the world to start a business; since 2010, more than 60,000 new businesses have been set up through the New Enterprise Allowance scheme.

However the Government wants to see more people from disadvantaged communities have the opportunity to turn their dream of being their own boss into reality. 

Ms Mone was given a guided tour of the Stockport facility by Centre Manager, John Booth, who explained:

“SBIC is rooted in entrepreneurial spirit. Our vision is to create an environment where new businesses can grow and develop. I believe we demonstrated that to Michelle today, and I hope our example will inform her review and encourage tomorrow’s entrepreneurs.”

Councillor Patrick McAuley, Executive Member for Thriving Economy at Stockport Council also commented:

“This visit to SBIC is an illustration of the buzz around the work the Council is doing with the business community.  The Council is constantly challenging itself to become more innovative in how we support business in Stockport. I’m sure Michele was impressed by the experiences of our local entrepreneurs. The affordable support, advice and facilities that SBIC offers have been ground-breaking locally as Stockport people look to turn their great business ideas into reality.”

Michelle met Spark competition winners past and present including bereavement gifts business Inspired Goodbyes and training mannequin manufacturers Bariquins. She also met four brand new start-ups as well as the bosses of established and expanding ventures in the Centre.

Her review will make recommendations to Work and Pensions Secretary Iain Duncan Smith and Business Secretary Sajid Javid in 2016.