Oldham Council hosted the first free Business Networking in Chadderton for local businesses on Thursday 24 November.

The event gave local businesses a chance to network and engage with others in the district, gather information about support available to them and identify supply chain opportunities with neighbouring businesses.

Attendees also got to hear updates about the ‘Here for Business’ support programme – which helps businesses survive and grow during the cost of living crisis – and find out support for social enterprises in the borough.

More than 15 new and existing businesses from the local area attended the event at the Former Police Station in Chadderton.
This was the first of several networking opportunities, with the next one taking place in Royton In January. The events will then move across different wards across Oldham.

Councillor Shoab Akhtar, Cabinet Member for Employment and Enterprise, said:

“We wanted to put these events on to give entrepreneurs an opportunity to get to know their business neighbours and perhaps create working and business opportunities with each other.

“We know these are difficult times for many businesses and the council, along with our partners, want to offer all the support we can.

“As well as the networking opportunities, the events aim to offer advice on what support is available. Our dedicated council offers are also hand to explain what we’re doing to boost the economy throughout Oldham.

“I’d urge people to join us at future events, meet their business neighbours and make valuable local connections.

The networking events are free, and open to all businesses from the districts they are hosted in. Attendees should register to reserve their place through Eventbrite.

More information about the event in Royton will be available in the lead-up to January.

Those unable to make these events can keep abreast of what’s happening in the Borough and the support available to local businesses via the Council’s Business Newsletter. 

Oldham Council has a free and flexible support offer to help make a real difference to your business.

Much of this package is unique to the borough and includes access to finance, growth advice, workforce development and networking opportunities.