News / By Fire Up / 12th March 2026
Welcome to the Fire Up Rochdale March Newsletter!
March has arrived, the days are getting a bit longer, and it’s been an exciting start to the year at Fire Up. Since our last newsletter, some of our team have been on Roch Valley Radio, we welcomed the BBC Morning Live team to our space, and there’s been lots happening with workshops, drop-ins, and local business events here.
In this edition, we’re sharing a roundup of what’s been going on at Fire Up, including our latest blog about the Lunar New Year and what a “fresh start” can mean for your business. We’re also shining a light on International Women’s Day, sharing info about a charity drop, and pointing you to upcoming business support and events.
Whether you’re growing your business, freelancing, or just looking for a great place to work, we’re here to support you as we move into spring.
Let’s get started.
Lunar New Year: A Fresh Start for the Fire Up Community
The Lunar New Year brings the Year of the Horse, a symbol of speed, strength, and moving forward. In our latest blog, we look at what these ideas mean for freelancers, founders, and business owners in Rochdale.
From making quick decisions to exploring new opportunities and building strong networks, the blog shows how a “fresh start” mindset can help shape your goals for 2026. It also shares an interesting historical story about the power of vision and teamwork.
You can find out more about Jolly Josh and the work they do here.
Fire Up Opened Its Doors to the BBC Morning Live Team
We recently hosted a BBC film crew at Fire Up Rochdale while they filmed a segment for BBC Morning Live about pavement parking hazards in areas like Rochdale.
It was great having the team here and supporting the production for the day. We were especially happy to welcome presenter Ade Adepitan.
The segment aired on Friday, 6th February and is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.
On the Air with Roch Valley Radio
Roch Valley Radio recently welcomed several colleagues from GM Business Growth and EnterprisingYou to share their experiences supporting businesses across the region. Our Rochdale‑based Account Manager, Anna Short, joined Yvonne Sampson and Jane Jones live on air, while Loide Costa sat down with Geoff Kirkman to discuss the wide range of support available through the Hub.
With World Radio Day on 13th February, it was a great chance to celebrate how local radio shares community stories, highlights local entrepreneurs, and showcases the work happening across Rochdale.
International Women’s Day at Fire Up
Before International Women’s Day, we gathered the women who work at and around Fire Up for a relaxed, inspiring session. Thanks to Deb Barnes for organising, and to Asma Begum (Action Together) and Jayshri Mistry (Wellness By Jay) for sharing their thoughts on workplace wellbeing and how women can take care of their mental health.
Asma also talked about Soul Sisters, a local volunteer-led charity that supports people affected by domestic abuse. The session was a wonderful chance to connect, share stories, enjoy some cake, and relax with hand massages.
Activity round up
The last few months have been busy for the Fire Up community. During National Apprenticeship Week, our Rochdale-based Workforce Development advisor, Craig Fletcher and Anna Short took part in the Apprenticeship Business Breakfast at Hopwood Hall College and the Rochdale Training Opening Evening. They also joined pro-manchester’s event, "Building High-Performing Teams Without the Price Tag." Craig attended Bayman Atkinson Smythe’s HR Networking Breakfast to learn about the challenges HR professionals face today.
We also hosted our latest Drop-In Business Clinic here at Fire Up. It’s always a great opportunity for local business owners and freelancers to get quick, practical support. You can find details of the next clinic in the Upcoming Events section below.
Donation drop for Jolly Josh
We’re supporting Jolly Josh, a wonderful local charity that offers free support to children with complex medical needs and physical disabilities. This Easter, they’re hosting an accessible Easter egg hunt for their families and are asking for donations of Easter eggs, soft toys, or bubble wands that are safe for children who can’t eat by mouth. If you’d like to help, you can drop off donations with Deb at reception here at Fire Up.
You can find out more about Jolly Josh and the work they do here.
Practical AI Tools to Support Your Business | 16 March
This session will introduce SmartFlows Syms practical AI tools designed to support real business roles including admin, sales, customer service, marketing and operations.
From Inner Critic to Confident: Public speaking Masterclass | 17 March
This hands-on, supportive masterclass helps leaders overcome nerves, organise their messages clearly, and speak with confidence.
Neurodiversity in the workplace workshop - Wednesday 18 March 8.15am-10am | Fire Up
Help your organisation become more inclusive by joining the upcoming “What Is Neurodiversity in the Workplace?” event.
GM BGH Business Clinic: Drop In Session Rochdale | 25 March 2026 | 09:00am - 16:00pm | Fire Up
Join us for a special monthly drop-in session by appointment only at Fire Up Co-Working, Rochdale.
Empowering Business Growth in Rochdale
Whether you’re just starting out or ready to grow, EnterprisingYou and GM Business Growth Hub offer expert guidance.
We have Rochdale-based colleagues, Aise Ndiele, Anna Short, Craig Fletcher and Karen Fitzpatrick, ready to support business owners with one-on-one advice. As part of Greater Manchester’s commitment to entrepreneurship, they offer tailored resources to help businesses across Rochdale.
Fire Up provides everything you need to run a successful small business.
Share Your Fire Up Co-Working Story!
Would you like to share your experience in a future newsletter? We’d love to hear from you! Just send us an email at info@fireuprochdale.co.uk.
And remember, you’re always welcome to visit Fire Up Co-Working whenever you need a space to work or connect with like-minded people.
The Fire Up Co-Working Team