Tameside Means Business Impact

We work with amazing businesses from across Tameside and we’re thrilled to make a meaningful impact on their business journeys. Read below for some of the brilliant work we’ve achieved with our businesses, including game-changing collaborations, supportive networking, and high-profile exposure opportunities.

PR opportunities at no extra cost

PR opportunities at no extra cost “In April 2023, I attended a Tameside Talks Business event at Ashton Library after spotting it advertised locally. At the time, my online bakery had just moved into a larger commercial unit in Ashton. While we were beginning to grow nationally, our local connections were starting to fade — and I knew I wanted to rebuild those relationships and learn from others on the same journey.

Running a business can be lonely. You take the risks, learn the mechanics, and navigate finance and marketing — often all at once. From the very first meeting, I felt genuinely welcomed by businesses of every size. I was encouraged to step out of my comfort zone and pitch for three minutes — something that felt daunting but incredibly energising.

Since then, I’ve connected with business growth advisors and mentors we still work with today. The ongoing support has helped us make more strategic decisions, strengthen our planning, and given us trusted sounding boards when it matters most.

We’ve also benefited from fantastic PR opportunities, including MP visits, shared stories, and speaking at local events. The platform and visibility we’ve gained — at no extra cost — have given our business a real boost. The support available through Tameside has made a lasting difference to our growth and confidence as a business.” Candice Bannister, Co-Owner of Candy’s Cupcakes

Tangible outcomes for Tameside

Tangible outcomes for Tameside “Tameside Means Business has enabled me to connect with local businesses who want to make a real difference in their community. The relationships formed through the TMB events have helped us grow our charity partnerships and sponsorship support, directly contributing to the sustainability of hospice care across Tameside and Glossop.

The group also helps to spread awareness of the hospice and that we’re not just ‘end of life care’. I’m grateful for what TMB creates to bring businesses and community organisations together.” Joanne Lees, Partnership Development Lead at Willow Wood Hospice.

The power of partnership

The power of partnership “In January 2025, I was given the opportunity to speak at a local business event. Following my talk, Chris Mahady from Findel approached me and handed me his business card. That initial connection has since evolved into a meaningful strategic partnership. One year later, I am now collaborating with Findel on an exciting project focused on supporting SEND provision within EYFS settings — aligning perfectly with the mission of Your Well-being Company to embed wellbeing and mental health education into early years environments.

I was also shortlisted for the Pride of Tameside Awards. Although I didn’t win on the evening, attending the event led to another significant opportunity. I learned about Strive Academy, reached out proactively, and we are now working together to deliver programmes supporting young adults — extending our impact across Greater Manchester.

These experiences highlight the power of visibility, networking, and long-term relationship building. Each opportunity has contributed to sustainable growth, expanded partnerships, and deeper community impact.

I’m incredibly grateful to Tameside Business Support for creating spaces where meaningful connections can happen. Their continued encouragement and opportunities for local businesses truly make a difference.” Sarah Crossley, Founder of Your Well-being Company

Local support for local businesses

Local support for local businesses “Tameside Means Business has created a proper space for MIC media to connect with other brilliant local businesses. When you’re working solo, especially in digital, it can feel a bit isolating, so getting out and meeting good eggs doing great work right on our doorstep really matters. TMB has also opened up opportunities for me to speak and host at local events, helping a nationally working podcast business stay proudly rooted in the place it started.”

Vic Turnbull, Founder and CEO of MIC Media

Building community and collaboration

Building community and collaboration "Tameside Means Business honestly switched things up for us. As a nervous autistic woman, I was shaking at the thought of getting on that stage, but that one opportunity opened so many doors. World Heat backed our first soup kitchens, Bennett Staff now holds a regular food drive our community pantries, Blake Grounds Services Ltd helped us get our garden up and running, and Ingeus brought volunteers for our events and in our community garden.

That spotlight helped our resilience work grow, brought in partners like Sunflower Day Nurseries, AC Group and Tameside Council, and even played a part in us winning CIC/Charity of the Year.

Since winning The CIC/Charity of the Year at The Pride of Tameside Business Awards we've been supported by Robertsons, RMD Electricals Ltd, Crescent Roofing and Droylsden Glass to build a community kitchen. In addition, Sunflowers Nurseries have built 2 additional community pantries, one in conjunction with Jigsaw Homes. This means that hundreds more families and individuals in Tameside are being fed every day of the year.

We've also been approached by several organisations with support with volunteers and Millbrook Care provided two men and a van to assist with collecting food donations over Christmas. It truly has changed so much for us as an organisation! We've also been named Charity partner for The Pride of Tameside Business Awards 2026, so we're looking forwards to even more exposure in the business world!