Rochdale Biz Show

Date published: 21 September 2017

The Rochdale Biz Show 2017 had the Town Hall buzzing on Wednesday (20 September), with over 30 local small business exhibitors.

The event was organised by Rochdale’s Small Business, Rochdale’s celebration of Small Business Saturday, including Ruth Pringle from Pringle Accountants, Debbie Timmins from Love My Cleaner and Sarah Rennie from Advextra VA.

The Mayor and Mayoress, Ian and Christine Duckworth, and Rochdale’s MP Tony Lloyd attended the show, which was opened by The Terminator from Captain Jack’s Prop Shack.

Mr Lloyd said: “It’s really good news, not just for small businesses in Rochdale, but the borough as a whole. Rochdale does have first class businesses working in the towns who can compete with anyone who can provide economy.

“It’s good for business and good for those who came to see and for the public across the borough, and of course, is important for local employment.

“Some will choose to remain a small business, and others will be giant in the future.”

Ruth commented: “There’s been a real positive buzz around the event and it’s been fantastic to see the businesses here making new connections. The event has really showcased some of the best of small business in and around Rochdale, and we’ve had some great feedback.

“The whole event has been a credit to everyone who’s helped get it off the ground and, hopefully, we’ve created some momentum that can be built upon going forward.

“Thanks so much to all our exhibitors and attendees for making the show what it was.”

Liam Cairney, Registered Manager of exhibitors Heartbeat Healthcare Group, added: “As it was our first event, we were quite nervous, but the people involved made us feel so at ease.”

32 exhibitors from companies across the borough – and further afield – filled the Great Hall, showcasing services from marketing to reiki and photography and accounting...

• Advanced Fire Protection Ltd (Rochdale), fire extinguisher servicing and supply
• Anthony K Vehicle Leasing, an established vehicle leasing broker
• ARC Universal, a SEO and digital marketing agency
• Beechwood Hub Ltd, website design and marketing services
• Big Ideas Generators, supporting innovation and enterprise across Greater Manchester library authorities
• Brand Consortia Limited, signage manufacturing and installation
• Carter Collins & Myer, a business advisory and accountancy firm
• Digital Aviation, aerial photography, filming and surveys
• DTE IT Support, offering a complete range of IT services for local businesses
• Engaging Safety Ltd, providing a wide range of H&S training, CDM 2015 and Risk Management
• Gemini Reiki Therapies, providing reiki therapy within the workplace to reduce work-related stress and fatigue
• Heartbeat Healthcare Group, a domiciliary care group offering a wide range of home care services across the Rochdale borough
• Howard Wilkinson Photography, a well-known Rochdale photographer providing all aspects of photography and related products
• Link4Life Healthy Workforce Programme, improving employee wellbeing in the workplace
• Mi Ventures, free instant live chat business advice with professional Business Advisors on behalf of the Council
• Double-M Business Services Limited, identifying and reducing energy consumption
• Molesworth Bright Clegg, a Rochdale-based solicitors
• Pennine Accounting, a leading accountancy firm based in Littleborough
• Phill Connell Marketing Solutions, providing real-world marketing solutions to help businesses grow
• Pixelwave Creative, a video production company
• Katrina Plain – Personal Travel Counsellor, an independent travel agent based in Norden
• Professional Energy Purchasing Limited, a commercial utility consultant
• Rochdale Connections Trust, an independent voluntary organisation established in 1997
• Rochdale Print, Rochdale’s latest printing service, offering posters, roller banners, business cards and more
• Rochdale Training, helping people access apprenticeship placements across Greater Manchester
• Frank Blakeley T/A Shocka Sports, a personalised clothing company
• Smarter Technologies Ltd, providing IT technology packages for businesses
• Square Peg Associates, the North West’s leading recruitment consultancy
• Star Procurement, the shared procurement service for Stockport, Trafford and Rochdale councils
• Twilight Later Life Planning, specialist wills and estate planning
• Urbansoul Design, offering website and digital design since 2003
• Utility Warehouse, helping you save on your bills and shopping

In addition to the exhibitors upstairs, a series of presentations from guest speakers and networking events took place in various committee rooms on the ground floor.

Chief Executive of Rochdale Borough Council, Steve Rumbelow, spoke about how small businesses can benefit from the regeneration of the town centre and the Riverside Development.

Other conferences also took place, including ’10 ways to improve your online presence’ by Andy Powell, ‘Small Business Saturday’ by Ruth Pringle and the business journey of Cocka Doodle Moo by owner Henry Yau.

Networking opportunities were available throughout the event from  Nat West Boost, M62 Connections and Federation of Small Businesses, who were also sponsors of the afternoon.