NEW BUSINESS & INNOVATION CENTRE TEAM HELP STOCKPORT START-UPS

A new management team has taken the helm at the Stockport Business & Innovation Centre (SBIC) to help start-ups in the town gain access to affordable office space and business mentoring.

Stockport is home to over 10,500 businesses with less than 20 employees and 69% of the town’s businesses employ four people or less*. The SBIC, formerly known as the Stockport Business Incubator, is part of Stockport Council’s portfolio of managed workspace facilities and is designed to help these small businesses make their first move into professional office space.

The management has arrived at SBIC following the appointment of Oxford Innovation to take over the running of the centre.

         John Booth, Centre Manager,
         pictured left, said:

    “Stockport is awash with entrepreneurial
    spirit and talent, which is why there are
    so many small and young businesses
    operating in the town. Many of these will
    be based out of back bedrooms or
    home offices as start-ups feel reluctant
    to invest in expensive office rates.

    “SBIC is designed to bridge the gap for
    young businesses as they make the
    transition from fledgling companies to
    larger employers with really affordable
    rates and access to experts who can
   
provide guidance and support as and when required.”

The centre is currently undergoing a refurbishment, which is due to be unveiled on Tuesday 19th November. The centre is offering serviced offices for young businesses employing between one and 20 people. Alongside this is a business support service for companies who would like to take advantage of expert mentoring to help them maximise opportunities and overcome issues.

Councillor Iain Roberts, Executive Member for Economic Development and Regeneration at Stockport Council, added:

“Thanks to Council support and European Development Fund funding, the centre is having a complete refresh which is due to be completed in November. With a new team in place, this is a new era for the centre and we are excited to see how the Centre can assist some of Stockport’s young businesses make their mark on the borough and further afield.”

For more information about Stockport Innovation Centre contact John Booth on 0161 443 4100,
email stockport@oxin.co.uk or visit www.stockport-bic.co.uk