Hub support helps Stanley Square businesses in Sale
The regeneration and rejuvenation of the centre of Sale has been one of the big success stories for GC Business Growth Hub support across Greater Manchester since its launch in 2011.
Stanley Square, Sale © GC Business Growth Hub
The Hub has helped more than 16,000 businesses in that time, creating over 14,700 jobs and safeguarding a further 12,300. With an overall return of investment of more than 10:1 – the Hub is one of the highest growth value-added business support services in the UK.
Like many high streets across the country, Sale’s town centre was in need of rejuvenation. However, recent years have seen its main shopping precinct transformed into Stanley Square, a thriving project that has seen independent cafes, restaurants, bars and retailers returning to the area. This transformation has been accelerated with the hands-on support of GC Business Growth Hub.
Account manager for Trafford, Ian Whilby, approached Michael Brown, founder and director of Stanley Square’s landlord, Altered Space, to explore ways in which the Hub could support new and existing occupants with the process of transforming this crucial area of Sale. Challenges they faced included opening new businesses in a new and exciting, but also untested, retail location.
This focused on two key aspects of the Hub’s account management plan for Trafford Council – town centre renewal and supporting third-sector organisations. Fully funded drop-in sessions were held at community space HIYA, where local business owners were able to consult one-to-one with advisors from the Hub team.
Stanley Square, Sale © GC Business Growth Hub
Tony Martin, general manager at Stanley Square, highlights the impact these sessions have had on some of the new independent businesses.
He said: “We have worked with Ian and GC Business Growth Hub in offering our businesses old and new at Stanley Square advice and support through various drop-in sessions on-site, these have been very well received especially by our new start-up independent businesses.
“Ian has also regularly visited Stanley Square and popped in to see some of our business owners and managers to make them aware of the Hub and what support can be offered. It has been great for the team at Stanley Square to be able to offer this support and advice to local businesses and put them directly in touch with him.”
Ian Whilby said: “Stanley Square is a shining example of how local businesses can come together to transform an area for the better and it has been great to see how independent traders have flourished here with the right support in place. This is the kind of project the Hub is so proud to be involved with and I look forward to seeing these businesses continue going from strength to strength.”
GC Business Growth Hub has been helping Greater Manchester businesses, like those at Stanley Square, grow since 2011.
