Business start-up units open

Date published: 22 February 2010

With the green shoots of economic recovery finally starting to appear, the first of the business incubation (start-up) units have been let at Ashton Market Hall.

One has been taken by Blue Orchid, a company which helps to establish new businesses and offers them early support, and another by sports therapist and rehabilitator Jo Forshaw, trading as Star Treatment, who will be known to many for her work with Mossley FC in the UniBond League.

To celebrate the fact, an official opening will be held at 4pm on Thursday (February 25).
There are nine units in an upper storey which was added to the market hall when it was rebuilt after the disastrous fire of 2004. They were created with money from the European Regional Development Fund on the proviso that new jobs were created.

The Executive Leader of Tameside Council, Cllr Roy Oldham, said: “I am delighted that this is happening just as Tameside Works First celebrates its first birthday.
“Tameside Council is committed to supporting business in the borough and Tameside Works First has invested millions in providing vital work for small and medium-sized enterprises.”

Cllr Kieran Quinn, Executive Member for economic development, added: “With welcome support from the European Union, of almost £2 million, the market hall is now also the central focus for business start-up in Ashton.
“This clearly demonstrates Tameside’s continued commitment to enterprise and support for people wishing to start up in business.”