Boost for Greater Manchester Economy as Business Growth Hub Reaches Five Years

Business Growth Hub has injected £160m into the Greater Manchester economy, helping create 8,000 and safeguard 11,000 jobs.

This figure has been unveiled as the Business Growth Hub marks five years of working with the region’s businesses.

Since inception, the Hub has supported over 7,300 businesses. The Hub’s impartial specialists have ensured that businesses across the region have secured more than £153m in funding while also saving £318m through improved environmental performance.

Part of the Manchester Growth Company and backed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), the Hub offers support for Greater Manchester SMEs across a range of sectors including manufacturing, digital, creative and technology, life sciences, low carbon and textiles.

Delivered through expert advisors, the Hub’s services include leadership and strategy development, workforce development, product and services innovation, and access to finance.

Over the next five years, the Hub has outlined four priorities to encourage businesses in the region to behave in different ways. This includes providing them with the capacity to think globally, grow sustainably, increase innovation and develop workforce skills.

Speaking at the Hub’s fifth birthday event at Manchester Art Gallery, Richard Jeffery, Director at Business Growth Hub, said: “From day one we have seen the businesses we work with thrive regardless of the wider political and economic landscape. This important milestone shows that we have a thriving group of entrepreneurs who create and exploit opportunities and continue to drive Greater Manchester’s future prosperity.

“We couldn’t have done this without the support of our employees and mentors, and also collaborating with our partners and networks in the region. Together we have made an outstanding contribution to the economy and it is important that we continue to build on this momentum over the next five years.

“Our priorities will help local businesses capitalise on international opportunities and will also give SMEs the skills to become more innovative. We will use our connections to put businesses in touch with world-class academics and private sector bodies that are leading the way in health, advanced materials, energy, digital and industrial biotechnology.

“Finally, we want to make sure our clients have the skills to support growth and we also need to encourage them to become more sustainable. If continue with this level of creativity and commitment, then I’m excited for our journey with more businesses over the next five years.“

Richard Topliss, chair of Manchester Growth Company and keynote speaker at the event, commented: “Business Growth Hub has played a vital role in the development of SMEs across the Greater Manchester region over the last five years.

“The Hub’s commitment to local businesses and the strong network of partners has enabled businesses to succeed and prosper which not only benefits the business community but all of Greater Manchester, and we wish all involved with the Business Growth Hub every success for the future."