A social enterprise has achieved a decade-long dream following the opening of a base for Oldham businesses in the town centre.

decade-long dream of creating a buzzing base for Oldham business has finally been achieved – as Secretary of State Jonathan Reynolds cut the ribbon and opened The Hive.

Upturn will run The Hive, which is situated in Spindles Shopping Centre and was opened by the Secretary of Business and Trade.

The Oldham Council-backed space includes meeting, media, and training rooms, along with kitchen facilities.

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The Hive will allow businesses to access a network of community commerce contacts and even an academy to select young apprentices to fill skills gaps.

Anwar Ali OBE, CEO of Upturn, said: “When we talk about community, it is always about people and place, but sometimes we forget business. 

“If you are a business in Oldham, whether you are starting up or need help, where do you go? Well, now you have a hive where you’ll thrive – and get that critical support.”

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Upturn was created in 2004 and has been ensuring that small enterprises, particularly those which give back to the community, have marketing, business planning, and even mentoring support.

Their main aim is to unlock local people’s potential and they have helped over 8000 individuals into work or training, many of whom are from severely disadvantaged communities.

One of Upturn's partners is UCAN, a not-for-profit campaign to build up young people’s confidence and skills and dissuade them from anti-social behaviour, including knife crime.

Steve Kenny, Early Intervention Specialist at UCAN, said: “Upturn was able to help us access funding and offer marketing support and contacts.

“We are also taking advantage of the office space in The Hive. Having others around you, including the council situated literally opposite, is a huge bonus and will help us change lives.”

Use of The Hive one-day-per-month will cost £100 while a flexible passport to the facility is £150.

In return, organisations will pay no rates, have access to broadband, gain use of the communal meeting spaces, unlimited tea and coffee and of course, be able to utilise Upturn and its business network and apprenticeship academy.

Mr Ali: “Ultimately this space is Oldham’s, we are merely custodians. As this town changes, develops and grows businesses want to play their part and feel involved in the wider family of our borough.

“Now, thanks to The Hive, they can.”