News / By Fire Up / 28th January 2025
Happy New Year, everyone! In our first newsletter of 2025 we’re excited to share all the great things happening at Fire-Up Rochdale, including Upcoming Events and Business Support Clinics. If you’re looking to network and grow your contacts, boost creativity, or just enjoy a change of scenery, Fire-Up Rochdale is here to support you this year. Whether you’re a long-time member or new to the Fire-Up family, we have a workspace for everyone.
Check out our latest blog for more details: New Year's Resolution: Get Out of the House More While Working from Home
Starting a Business Using AI | 30th January | 09:30am - 12:30pm
Join our brand-new half-day workshop to learn everything you need to know about AI and how it can benefit your startup. Discover AI's role in today's world, gain practical skills, and understand how to leverage AI for your business operations.
This workshop is strictly for pre-start businesses. If you have already registered as a business, please access our specialised support here Grow your existing business | Enterprising You
Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of the AI revolution and gain valuable insights for your future business!
Freelance Friday | 31st January 2025 | 09:30am – 11:00am
Whether you’re an individual starting your self-employed journey or looking to advance your freelance career, this event is designed to provide valuable connections and insights. The event will feature an insightful guest speaker, success stories from fellow freelancers, and information about EnterprisingYou and GM Business Growth Hub opportunities.
Rochdale Public Procurement - How to Write Quotations, Proposals & Tenders | 6th February | 09:30am - 1:00pm
Improve your win rate with bidding and tendering strategies used by professionals. This workshop will demystify the bidding process and equip you with the tools needed for success.
Learn:
- How to structure and write proposals
- Evaluation criteria for submissions
- Importance of environmental and social value in public sector tenders
- Where to find bidding opportunities
Experts from STAR Procurement and Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) will also share updates on the latest procurement initiatives and local contracting opportunities.
Don’t miss this chance to enhance your chances of winning contracts!
Please note | this event is not at Fire Up. Venue details will be provided once booking confirmed.
First Friday Network | 7th February | 12.30-2.00pm
Businesses of all sizes are welcome, we meet to make connections, talk about our businesses and find ways of helping each other. It's a great opportunity to meet like minded people in an informal, friendly atmosphere. Come along, do some networking, and have some fun!
There is no prior booking, no registration, no attendance fees and no pressure!
How to Start a Social Enterprise | 25 February | 09:30am - 12:00pm
Join our workshop to understand the legalities, governance, structures, and strategies for creating a successful social enterprise. Shelley Metcalfe, an expert social entrepreneur, will guide you through key concepts and help you make informed decisions about your social business.
What you'll learn:
- Basics of social enterprises and their differences from traditional businesses and charities
- Key legal structures like Company Limited by Guarantee (CLG) and Community Interest Company (CIC)
- How to test and validate your social enterprise idea
- Making informed decisions on starting and sustaining a social enterprise
This workshop is strictly for pre-start businesses. If you have already registered as a business, please access our specialised support here Grow your existing business | Enterprising You
BGH Match – Rochdale | 27 February | 09:30am - 11:30am
GM Business Growth Hub’s popular Match event returns to Rochdale. Join the Hub and Rochdale Council for a morning of networking and new connections. Discover the fully funded business support available to businesses in Greater Manchester. Match events book up fast so make sure to secure your place early.
New Year's Resolution: Get Out of the House More While Working from Home
Working from home has its perks—no commute, more flexibility, and a comfortable environment. But it can also lead to feelings of isolation and routine fatigue. Stepping out of your home office for just one day a week can significantly boost your mood, creativity, and productivity. Imagine the possibilities: meeting new friends, networking, collaborating, and simply enjoying life outside your home.
Our latest blog highlights the benefits of adding stepping out of the house more frequently while working from home to your new year resolutions.
Fire Up Business Clinics
Fire Up is hosting a series of drop-in clinics featuring expert advisors from the GM Business Growth Hub. These sessions cover key areas such as Finance, Technology, Sustainability, Innovation, Manufacturing, Workforce Development, Growth, Social Value, and EnterprisingYou.
Gain practical advice and personalised guidance to help navigate the evolving business landscape. Engage one-on-one with industry experts, explore tailored strategies, and elevate your business.
No booking needed – just show up and ask reception to speak with an advisor. Don't miss out on this opportunity to take your business to the next level.
Check out the next date for each areas Business Clinic | See the full schedule here
Access 2 Finance (A2F) | 19th February
Looking for business funding can be daunting. Attend our session to understand investment options, loans, and grants that are tailored to your needs. Our finance specialists will guide you towards securing the right funding to achieve your business goals.
Digital, Creative and Tech (DCT) | 19th February
Join us for insights into navigating the unique challenges of the DCT sector. Discover strategies for growth and funding, and leave feeling empowered to focus on your goals with our expert guidance.
Decarbonisation | 11th February
If improving your environmental performance is a priority, our advisors will help you make impactful changes. Learn how to develop and implement carbon reduction plans that align with your commercial and environmental objectives.
Innovation | 20th February
Explore new business opportunities and overcome challenges by thinking differently. Our innovation session will help you establish what innovation means for your business and connect you with the right people to make it happen.
Manufacturing | 4th February
Tackle the complexities of the manufacturing sector with our support. Join us to learn how to address economic, operational, and regulatory challenges, and focus on creating valuable products.
EnterprisingYou | Ongoing
Whether you're considering starting a business or want to accelerate growth, our tailored support for self-employed individuals, sole traders, freelancers, and gig economy workers in Greater Manchester is designed to help you succeed.
We hope to see you at one of our business clinics soon, remember no need to book just turn up and ask at reception.
We'd love to hear about your experiences at Fire Up Co-working! If you're interested in sharing a short piece for our future newsletters, please email us at info@fireuprochdale.co.uk.
And remember, our doors are always open – feel free to drop by and visit the Fire Up Co-working space.
Have a fantastic week!
The Fire Up Co-Working Team 🔥