GM Business Growth Hub offers a flexible range of support tailored to the needs of businesses across Greater Manchester. Support is delivered through one-to-one adviser sessions, workshops, webinars, peer networks, events and specialist programmes. Businesses can access support virtually, over the phone or face-to-face, ensuring expert guidance is available in a way that works for them. Our advisers work closely with businesses to identify opportunities, address challenges and connect them with the right support, funding and growth opportunities.
GM Business Growth Hub offers fully funded support; this support is part-funded by the UK Government through the GM Integrated Settlement and available at no cost to eligible businesses in Greater Manchester. Certain specialist programmes may have specific eligibility requirements, but our team can advise on the most appropriate support available.
Several key trends are shaping the construction sector across Greater Manchester and the UK:
Increased investment in infrastructure, housing and regeneration projects.
Start delays due to the BSR implications and planning backlogs
Skills development and workforce planning to address labour shortages as outlined in the GM Local Skills Improvement Plan
The increased importance of Social value requirements within procurement processes.
Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) and offsite manufacturing.
Net Zero and sustainable building practices, including retrofit and decarbonisation projects.
Digital adoption, including Building Information Modelling (BIM), AI and data-driven construction.
These trends are creating new opportunities for contractors and supply chain businesses that can demonstrate innovation, sustainability and strong social value credentials.
GM Business Growth Hub support is available to businesses based in Greater Manchester, from startups and SMEs through to larger organisations. Eligibility varies depending on the programme or service being accessed, but generally businesses must be operating within Greater Manchester and looking to start, grow, innovate, improve productivity or create jobs. Our team can help determine the most suitable support and any specific programme requirements.
We can strengthen your position with dedicated support offered by our Construction Sector, Supply Chain, Access to Finance, Innovation and Social Value teams who can provide guidance to help businesses become more competitive and procurement ready. Support may include:
Understanding public sector procurement processes.
Identifying tender opportunities.
Developing bidding and proposal-writing skills.
Demonstrating social value and ESG commitments.
Building supply chain relationships with major contractors.
Improving business resilience, capability and accreditations.
We also work closely with local authorities, anchor institutions and industry partners to help businesses access new opportunities.
GM Business Growth Hub works with major contractors, developers and infrastructure programmes to maximise local economic impact and strengthen regional supply chains. Support includes:
Supply chain engagement and development programmes
Meet-the-buyer and networking events
Identifying viable local suppliers
Support with social value delivery and reporting
Skills, workforce and recruitment support
Innovation and sustainability advice
Support for SMEs seeking to enter or expand within construction supply chains
Our aim is to help create stronger local supply chains while supporting contractors to achieve project and social value objectives.
Yes. GM Business Growth Hub works closely with the ten local authorities, developers, regeneration partners and major infrastructure programmes across Greater Manchester. We can provide intelligence on:
Upcoming regeneration projects
Housing and commercial developments
Infrastructure investment programmes
Town centre and strategic growth initiatives
Supply chain opportunities linked to major developments
Sector-specific market trends and opportunities
Through our networks and partnerships, we help businesses understand where investment is taking place and how they can position themselves to benefit from future opportunities.
Yes, through our dedicated Workforce Development Construction Sector Specialist, we can connect you with fully funded support around recruitment, apprenticeships, workforce planning, leadership development and addressing skills gaps through our Skills Development Service and GM Skills Map opportunities.
Simply complete the contact form and our advisors will be in touch to start your GM Business Growth Hub journey.
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