THREE Tameside businesses are among the latest to take part in a Greater Manchester-wide scheme aimed at helping them grow.
Dukinfield’s Red Rock Communications, The Sunflower Group – which runs day nurseries across the area – and Ashton-under-Lyne’s Candy’s Cupcakes have been announced among 24 taking part in the GM Business Growth Hub’s scale up programme ASCEND.
Designed to support and accelerate the growth of the region’s most promising high-growth businesses, it is described as ‘a personal development initiative tailored to help founders of high-growth businesses scale rapidly and achieve their full potential.’
Red Rock Communications is a telecommunications provider with more than 70 years of experience in the communications industry, while The Sunflower Group is a group of family-owned day nurseries.
Candy’s Cupcakes specialises in creating delicious cupcakes, cakes and treats which are delivered nationwide and has been a hit through its TikTok shop.
Now the ASCEND Scale Up Programme – delivered in partnership with KPMG – will provide a unique combination of expert mentorship, coworking access in Manchester city centre and valuable industry exposure.
Janine Smith, director of GM Business Growth Hub, said: “Everything we do at GM Business Growth Hub is about helping businesses become stronger.
“ASCEND is tailored to support those with high aspirations and large growth goals meet their ambitions.
“Our first cohort came away from the programme with clients in new international markets, national and international partnerships, significant increases in revenue, exciting new products and services.
“They also built lasting relationships and collaborations with each other. I’m really looking forward to what the second cohort can bring to the experience.’
The second cohort launched on June 17 and will run through to March 2026.
Over the course of nine months, entrepreneurs will receive in-depth support designed to propel their businesses to the next level, whether that be through bespoke guidance, tailored growth strategies or individualised mentorship to foster business resilience and strategic scaling.
As part of the programme, founders and their mentors will travel to Web Summit in Lisbon in November, one of the world’s largest tech conferences, offering a unique opportunity to connect with global thought leaders, partners, and potential investors.
The programme will be managed by Kellie Noon, who has supported businesses for the nearly 15 years
She said: “ASCEND is designed to transform Greater Manchester’s high-potential businesses into industry leaders.
“Like all of GM Business Growth Hub’s support, it’s fully funded with no catch.
“Every aspect of the programme is designed to help them achieve their ambitions and contribute to the region’s future growth and innovation.
“These businesses are thinking big, and I’m very excited to see where this journey takes us.”