Oldham's new business boom time

It’s official - there has never been a better time for new businesses in Oldham.  

Latest figures from the Office of National Statistics show that Oldham has more than doubled the number of business start-ups from just under 50 per 10,000 working age population to nearly 105 since 2012.

Oldham now has the fourth largest business start-up rate in Greater Manchester, behind Bury, Manchester and Trafford.

This is significantly higher than the north-west average of 93 per 10,000 working age population and the UK average of 100.

Cllr Shoab Akhtar, Cabinet Member for Education and Skills, said: “I’m delighted that we are the one of the best boroughs in Greater Manchester for new business start-ups and this is testament to the hard work and support of council officers and partner organisations.

“We have strived to support an inclusive economy and provide the right environment to support residents to set up successful businesses.” 

 In Oldham, a comprehensive programme of business facing support has been established. This includes targeted start-up assistance for new entrepreneurs as well as growth support for existing businesses which are mostly delivered by Growth Company and People Plus.

Businesses can also take advantage of the new Smart Start programme, recently launched by the Business Growth Hub.

This is designed to support local residents who want to find out if self-employment is right for them - as well as those who have recently started their own business.

Support is delivered through workshops, events and one-to-one specialist advice.

From the part-time gardener through to starting and growing a limited business, Start Smart can help businesses of all sizes.

Oldham Council has also supported the development of the Oldham Enterprise Trust as part of the ‘Get Oldham Working’ initiative.

The Trust, kick-started by a £1m donation from The Stoller Charitable Trust, aims to help the next generation of entrepreneurs get start-up businesses off the ground and also supports young people into employment.

It provides a one stop portal for start-up and growth companies to access the wide range of business funding that is available, as well as free business advice and support.

Hi-tech start-ups can benefit from support at Wayra Open Future North, based at the Digital Enterprise Hub on Yorkshire Street, alongside Hack Oldham.

They support socially motivated enterprises to develop their business plan with industry experts and mentors in a modern and creative environment.

For more information on how Smart Start can help your business visit: www.businessgrowthhub.com/startup, email info@businessgrowthhub.com or call 0161 359 3050.  

To find out more about the Oldham Enterprise Trust and Get Oldham Working visit: www.oldham.gov.uk/gow or call 0161 770 4674.