News / By Fire Up / 28th May 2026
Welcome to the Fire Up Rochdale May Newsletter
It’s been a busy couple of months at Fire Up, and there’s plenty to catch up on.
Since the last newsletter, we’ve hosted a range of events and workshops, welcomed new and familiar faces into the space, and launched our latest video showcasing the brilliant businesses that make up our community.
In this edition, you’ll find highlights from recent activity, a look at what’s coming up, and opportunities to access support and grow your business. Plus, our latest blog exploring simple ways to stay active and energised during the working day.
Whether you’re building, scaling, or simply looking for the right environment to work and connect, we’re here to support you as we head into the summer months.
Sitting Less, Moving More as a Business Owner
Last month, we shared a blog to mark On Your Feet Britain Day, highlighting how much time we spend sitting at work. While the awareness day has passed, the message remains just as relevant for freelancers, founders, and self employed professionals year-round.
The blog explores how long periods of sitting can affect focus, energy, and wellbeing, and why building simple movement into your working day can make a real difference. From standing during calls to taking short breaks to reset, small changes can help you stay productive and sustain your work over time.
Now Showing: Fire Up Rochdale
Popcorn optional… our latest video officially premiered at the beginning of the month!
Starring the people who make Fire Up Rochdale what it is, you’ll hear from the brilliant businesses who call it home and get a real feel for the energy, community and flexibility that make this place more than just a workspace.
A Proud Moment for Rochdale
A big congratulations to Rochdale AFC on their promotion back to EFL League Two – a fantastic achievement and a real boost for the town.
It’s moments like this that bring the community together and shine a spotlight on Rochdale, giving everyone another reason to feel proud of where we work and do business.
Could Rochdale Be Next for a King’s Award?
The King’s Awards for Enterprise are now open for applications, celebrating outstanding UK businesses. With so much innovation and ambition across Rochdale, it’s a great opportunity to showcase the strength of our local business community on a national stage.
Since 2020, Rochdale businesses have achieved two King’s Awards, a fantastic accomplishment that reflects the quality we have in the borough. That said, with so many excellent and ambitious businesses based here, we know there’s real potential to see even more organisations recognised in the years ahead.
If your organisation is achieving exceptional results in areas such as innovation, international growth, or sustainability, the GM Business Growth Hub can support you in putting forward a strong application. There’s also an upcoming Hub event next month to help you better understand the awards – you’ll find more details further down in this newsletter.
Activity round-up
The last few months have been a hive of activity for the Fire Up community. We were delighted to host the latest GM Business Growth Hub Match event, bringing local businesses together to connect, share ideas, and explore fully funded support available across Rochdale and the wider Greater Manchester region. The morning buzzed with lively conversations and fresh introductions, thanks to fantastic support from the Rochdale team – and we even managed to capture a group photo of everyone together.
We also hosted a fantastic Springhill Hospice Business Breakfast alongside ALF Recruit, welcoming over 35 local businesses that share a passion for supporting the hospice's incredible work in our community. Networking, collaboration, and inspiring conversations filled the morning, making it a truly memorable gathering.
The Rochdale team also attended the launch of the Rochdale Business Awards 2026 at Defiance Distillery, where local businesses heard from previous finalists and learned more about this year’s application process. With 12 categories available, it’s a fantastic opportunity to showcase the strength of Rochdale’s business community.
Back at Fire Up, we welcomed the Greater Manchester Chamber Networking North event, along with another well-attended HR networking session hosted by Bayman Atkinson Smythe. Both events sparked valuable conversations, fresh insights and meaningful connections across the local business network.
Finally, it was great to see Craig, Tess and Faye out in the community volunteering at Springhill Hospice, continuing our commitment to supporting incredible local organisations
GM BGH Business Clinic: Drop-In Session (May & June)
Our monthly drop in clinic with GM Business Growth Hub returns on 27 May and 24 June, offering Rochdale businesses a free 60 minute, confidential review and tailored support.
Book 24 June: REGISTER YOUR SPOT
We’ve included more details later in the newsletter about what happens during the drop-in clinics and how your business can benefit from them.
Business Support Spotlight: Drop-In Clinics at Fire Up
Looking for expert support to move your business forward? GM Business Growth Hub clinics, delivered with EnterprisingYou, run monthly at Fire Up.
These free 1:1 sessions offer a confidential 60-minute review with an experienced advisor, focused on your priorities—whether you’re planning ahead, looking to grow, or tackling specific challenges. You’ll get practical advice, a tailored action plan, and connections to wider support, including specialist expertise and fully funded programmes.
Our Rochdale-based team — Aise Ndiele, Anna Short, Craig Fletcher and Karen Fitzpatrick — are on hand to support businesses across Rochdale, Heywood, Middleton and Littleborough.
Fully funded. Practical. Tailored to you.
Find upcoming dates and booking links in the Upcoming Events section.
Your next great event starts at Fire Up.
A flexible, open-plan space designed for business launches, workshops, networking and team away days — with meeting rooms and a conference space available if you need them.
We’re easy to reach, with a Metrolink stop opposite, just a five-minute walk from the train station, and on-site parking available. Our team can help you plan and run your event, from setting up the space to welcoming your guests.
AV is covered too, with a 55” portable screen for presentations.
Catering and refreshments can also be arranged to suit your event.
GET IN TOUCH TO FIND OUT HOW WE CAN SUPPORT YOUR NEXT EVENT
Take your business to the next level with Spark to Scale.
Spark to Scale, delivered by GM Business Growth Hub, is a six-week programme that helps ambitious founders take the next step by combining expert support, practical learning, and peer connections.
The next cohort starts in June 2026 – APPLICATIONS ARE OPEN NOW
Thinking about applying for the King’s Awards?
Hear directly from a 2026 winner in this GM Business Growth Hub fireside chat, covering the application process, key challenges, and the impact of winning.
25 June 2026 | Manchester
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