Manchester- a hub for innovation
With Venturefest fast approaching, Richard Jeffery, director of the Greater Manchester Business Growth Hub, discusses why Greater Manchester continues to be a hub for innovation.
Innovation is a key ingredient in the mix that drives any great business, generating forward-thinking ideas and identifying new methods which will give companies that cutting edge in increasingly competitive markets.
In the 21st Century, where technology is constantly changing and price and quality are both givens, businesses need to look at new and innovative ways of utilising their knowhow and that of their suppliers and customers to maximise opportunities for growth.
From the industrial revolution to the discovery of graphene, Greater Manchester in particular has long provided a fertile ground for innovation.
It currently has a growing base of the next generation of innovative businesses, with entrepreneurial thinking. Innovation has unsurprisingly taken centre stage, with increasing efforts to better connect entrepreneurs, businesses and investors. The Business Growth Hub is working with partners to develop an active network, which will increase the chance of a new product or service being successful.
Abdul Alim, co-founder of OfferMoments, is one inspiring example of the type of entrepreneur we hope to support. He utilised his 15 years of technical expertise to develop the ‘in the moment’ retail app, that gives retailers and restaurateurs a platform to capitalise on real time footfall and turn it into paying custom.
Abdul is one of the speakers at this year’s Venturefest Manchester after OfferMoments was crowned Innovation Business of the Year in last year’s Showcase competition. Venturefest brings together investors, entrepreneurs and innovators, providing the unique opportunity to chat informally, share ideas and develop new partnerships.
Venturefest, which is at the heart of the innovation network is another prime example of the continued growth of Greater Manchester and the wider North West. By bringing these innovative new businesses together, Venturefest is fast becoming a community of new ideas, providing a network to facilitate business growth and innovation in the region.
With the range of investment opportunities in the region, the ever-growing business network and the fertile environment to develop new ideas successfully, Greater Manchester continues to prove one of the UK’s most innovative business hot spots.
Venturefest takes place at The Point at Lancashire County Cricket Club on September 22. To register click here
