One Stockport Business Support Hub celebrates successful first year
The One Stockport Business Support Hub is celebrating its first year of providing free expert advice and support to local businesses.
It’s been a standout year for Stockport, with the strength of our local economy showing no signs of slowing down. That momentum has been recognised nationally, with Stockport ranked 5th best place in the UK to start a business and shortlisted for Best Small Business Support at the Visa Let’s Celebrate Towns Awards.
The One Stockport Business Support Hub was launched in January and has been delivered monthly at the Merseyway Innovation Centre. The Hub offers free, one-to-one advice for businesses at any stage – from first ideas to established SMEs.
Over the last year, 97 entrepreneurs and businesses have received tailored guidance through the Hub, with more than 95% rating the support as helpful. Many report increased confidence and clearer next steps, whether that’s launching a new product, securing premises, or progressing into funded specialist programmes.
The team have had plenty of positive feedback including this from pre-start physiotherapist from Bramhall:
“I thoroughly recommend the One Stockport Business Support Hub to anyone in business in the area. It is an Aladdin’s Cave of insight, information and support.”
To widen access even further, the Hub has also taken the show on the road, hosting sessions across the borough in places like Edgeley and Cheadle, bringing support directly into local communities and workplaces.
Paula, from the One Stockport Business Support Hub, said:
“It’s been an incredible year supporting local businesses at every stage – from first ideas to growing enterprises. We’ve seen real ambition, creativity and resilience across Stockport, and we can’t wait to build on that momentum next year.”
These achievements directly support the ambitions of the One Stockport Economic Plan Delivery Plan 2025–28, where enabling entrepreneurship, improving productivity and expanding access to business support are key priorities.
Looking ahead to 2026, the One Stockport Business Support Hub will continue to help more people start strengthen and scale their businesses – contributing to a stronger local economy and more jobs for Stockport residents.
Merseyway Innovation Centre sessions take place on the last Friday of every month. The next session is on Friday 30 January 2026. Visit our eventbrite page to book your place.
