BUSINESSES from across Tameside and Greater Manchester will be in the same room for a major networking event aimed at helping firms connect, expand and access support.
The Tameside Means Business Expo will take place at Stalybridge Victoria Market Hall on June 11, bringing together more than 30 exhibitors alongside industry experts, business leaders and support organisations.
The free event is being organised through a partnership between Tameside Council and GM Business Growth Hub and is designed to support businesses at every stage of their journey, from start-ups to established firms looking to scale up.
Visitors will be able to explore a wide range of business support services, funding opportunities and growth programmes, while also taking part in networking sessions and panel discussions covering some of the biggest issues facing businesses today.
Topics on the agenda include winning contracts in both the public and private sectors, making better use of technology such as artificial intelligence and automation, and tackling recruitment and staff retention challenges.
Businesses that have successfully grown within Tameside will also share their experiences, offering practical advice on overcoming common obstacles and identifying opportunities for expansion.
Among the organisations contributing to the event will be the Northern Engineering and Robotics Innovation Centre, while King’s Awards Ambassador Karen Dudley will host a dedicated session explaining how businesses can apply for the prestigious King’s Awards for Enterprise.
Greater Manchester has produced 51 King’s Award winners since 2020, but no Tameside business has received the honour in the last six years. Organisers hope the session will encourage more local companies to put themselves forward.
Julian Guest, GM Business Growth Hub’s newly appointed Stakeholder Account Manager for Tameside, said: “We’re proud to be working alongside Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council to support the delivery of the Tameside Means Business Expo.
“Events like this highlight the real value of collaboration, bringing together expertise, resources and local insight to create meaningful opportunities for businesses. The Expo will offer a solid platform for businesses in Tameside to expand and thrive.”
Businesses can also apply for free exhibition space at the event, providing an opportunity to showcase products and services, connect with potential customers and raise their profile within the local business community.
Nicola Elsworth, Director of Strategic Growth at Tameside Council, said: “The Tameside Means Business Expo is a great chance for local businesses to come together and support each other. It helps people make connections, find advice, and take the next step in growing their business.”
The event runs from 9.30am to 3pm and attendance is free, although advance registration is required.