On March 5th, 2024, Business Bolton organized the "Bolton Means Business 2024" event, which brought together over 150 people from Bolton's business community.  

The event was attended by local entrepreneurs and organizations who were joined by 40 exhibitors from across Bolton to receive expert advice on various topics, including skills development, financing, innovation, and opportunities in the green economy. The landmark event provided a welcoming platform for the attendees to network and connect with fellow Boltonians.  

As the event sponsor, SimpliFi, the hub of business finance information offered by GM Business Growth Hub, are pleased with the great success of the event and excellent turnout.  

“Bolton’s local businesses are at the heart of our economy and do a brilliant job in making Bolton a great place to invest,” said Cllr Akhtar Zaman, Executive Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Bolton Council.  

“Thanks to the event, people discussed the benefits of doing business in Bolton, made new connections, and gathered leads for potential new opportunities, which forms part of our commitment to support the local economy and back Bolton companies.” 

Hearing the voice of the community 

“Combined with the traditional manufacturing, high-tech digital creative industries, and professional services, Bolton has a diverse and thriving business community,” explained Jonathan Crabtree, Stakeholder Account Manager (Bolton), GM Business Growth Hub. 

“With support from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and aligned our services and support with the local authority’s policy priority, GM Business Growth Hub offered a comprehensive, fully funded, and wide range of services in Bolton, supporting businesses regardless of size and sector. Events like Bolton Means Business allowed us to hear from the business community, which is very important for us in calibrating our services according to the community’s needs.”    

Investing in local business

“As the managing operator of the Wellsprings Innovation Centre, which will open in September this year in Bolton, we thrive on offering space and support for startups and early-stage businesses to grow here,” said Toni Harrison, Head of Public Sector and Universities, Oxford Innovation Space, who joined the event as an exhibitor.  

“Bolton is at a very interesting point in its history; with the redevelopment project in Wellsprings, we see huge investment from the council in Bolton businesses to create local jobs that are high value and solutions for challenges in the world that we are all facing.” 

“The event was fantastic, as so many people we talked to were fascinated by the plan we got for Wellsprings’ partnership with the local council and Bolton University. It’s just really interesting to see the type of business starting here, so we have some interesting conservation to pick up. It’s definitely a great event.” 

“It was a really good event as plenty of people are here. We mainly sought advice on financing, raising funds and capital with venture capital and angel investors. We have already spoken to a few people here who can help. In today’s economy, the local government need to invest as much as possible in local business, and this event is an example of how to create a positive impact on the local economy,” said Richard, one of the event attendees. 

As Greater Manchester’s business support organisation, GM Business Growth Hub supports all business communities across our city region by unlocking potential in businesses that want to achieve more, just like what we have done in Bolton. For parties that would like to promote growth for their business community, get in touch with us through the below website and see what we can achieve through collaboration. 

GM Business Growth Hub - Greater Manchester's business support organisation | GM Business Growth Hub