A unique Chamber event. Hear from business leaders about why they are investing in the city.

The Salford Business Network (SBN) has been established by the Chamber to ensure that local business voices are heard and that key messages are spread throughout the business community. Lead by the Chamber’s Salford President Tony Smith, Commercial Director at The Lowry, we are a group of proactive Salford business leaders with a determination to identify opportunities to improve the City of Salford with a focus on commerce.

Through consultation with Chamber members we have identified key challenges in the Salford Business community:

Transport infrastructure,
Employment, skills and training
Ensuring a city-wide strategy for investment and development
As part of our strategy to address these issues, the SBN will be holding a panel discussion to explore and debate business insight and solutions. This event will provide a positive platform to facilitate a conversation between policy makers, and the business community.

The Lowry, Salford Quays, Salford, M50 3AZ

Thursday 2nd November, 8.00am – 10.00am

8.00am – 8.30am – Tea, coffee, breakfast sandwich and networking

8.30am – 9.45am – Panel discussion and audience questions at the end

9.45am – 10.00am – Close and final networking

We are delighted to welcome our panellists:

City Mayor, Paul Dennett

Freshfields

Kelloggs

Cetus Solutions

Public Desire

Transport For Greater Manchester

Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce, Salford Business Network invites all business leaders with an interest in the continued improvement of the living and working environment and economic potential of Salford to join us at this unique event.

Book your FREE place now at www.gmchamber.co.uk/events/the-future-of-business-in-salford

Special thanks to our sponsors:

Phoenix Digital LTD

Online marketing and website development specialists offering bespoke solutions

www.phoenixdigital.agency

Greater Manchester Chamber held its first Asian Business Development Network event on Monday (October 9^th) at Elliot House.

Reet Dhallu, Regional Membership Manager at the Chamber, said: “Over 36 businesses attended the event to network and hear more about what we want to achieve with the network.

“This is the first time that the Chamber has put on an event like this, which is all about engaging with the Asian business community and providing a platform for your business to connect with other Asian or non-Asian business within Greater Manchester and further field.

“We are also dedicated to communicating your business voice via a number of channels. As the largest chamber of commerce, with over 4,800 members, it’s hugely important to us to enhance diversity with our membership base.

“The network isn’t just for Asian businesses though; it is also for non-Asian businesses who are looking to work with Asian businesses.”

Another event is planned to take place in December with more to follow next year.

Raam Shanker, from Equitus Engineering, said: “The Asian Business Development Network launch is a welcome initiative by the Chamber, given the number of Asian origin businesses operating out of Greater Manchester, and it shows that diversity and representation are high on the agenda.

“The hope is that this will provide a platform for businesses like Equitus Engineering to gain a bit more visibility, and highlight the contributions the Asian community is making to the economy and society.”

Creams Café, a popular London-based dessert franchise, has expanded by opening two stores in Manchester with help of a £580,000 commercial loan from HSBC.

The gelato and dessert café, which has become hugely popular in London, sold a franchise to Manchester-based business SB Group. The funding from HSBC was used to purchase two sites in the heart of Manchester which will enhance the city’s presence in the north. Creams Café opened its first 1,550 sq ft café in Manchester’s Piccadilly Gardens area earlier this year along with its second 3,000 sq ft café in Cheetham Hill which officially opened its doors last month. SB Group expects to see a predicted turnover of £1.5 million in the first year.

The opening of the two new stores has helped create twenty new jobs for the local economy and will lead to a projected 4,500 customers per week.

The café offers customers a combination of new and extravagant desserts, including a variety of ‘freakshakes’ and deluxe waffles.

Speaking about the expansion plans, Store Manager, Poz Bal said: “The franchise offers the ability to create our own stamp on the North and we see great potential for further expansion across the north-west with the help of this funding.”

Sam Roden, HSBC’s Area Director for Greater Manchester, said: “The Creams Café franchise is a great example of a business taking advantage of a growing trend. SB Group saw the opportunity for a fantastic investment and took it and we are delighted to be able to support them on this exciting venture.”

The deal was completed by Darren Martin, HSBC’s Commercial Relationship Manager, who is based at HSBC’s Commercial Centre in Spinningfields, Manchester.

The six-figure funding package was secured through HSBC’s recently launched £10bn SME fund.