A new cohort of Stockport business leaders has come together for the launch of a fully funded programme focused on leadership, innovation and sustainable business growth.
The second Stockport Ignite Alliance cohort was welcomed at a launch event at Stockport Gin on Thursday 10 September, giving participants the opportunity to meet one another and begin building the connections that will be at the heart of the programme.
Funded by Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA), the programme is delivered by Trafford & Stockport College Group in collaboration with Stockport Council and Stockport Economic Alliance, bringing together founders, owners and senior leaders from small and micro businesses across the borough.
The Ignite concept was initially developed and supported through the Group’s FE Innovation work, which provided the opportunity to test new approaches to working with local businesses around leadership, innovation and growth. The success of the first cohort has helped shape the next phase of the programme and provided a strong foundation for Cohort 2.
This work is also being built on through the Group’s new FE Innovation project, creating further opportunities to strengthen links between businesses, skills, innovation and the College’s wider employer offer.
Building on the success of the first cohort, Ignite gives business leaders dedicated time away from the day-to-day running of their organisations to develop their leadership, challenge their thinking and explore new approaches to growth, innovation and productivity.
Over the coming months, Cohort 2 will take part in six expert-led masterclasses covering leadership, customer acquisition and growth, innovation, negotiation and influence, strategy and planning, and people and culture.
Participants will also benefit from peer learning and one-to-one business innovation support from Trafford & Stockport College Group, helping them apply new ideas directly within their businesses.
Gareth Burrow, Director of Industry Partnerships and Skills at Trafford & Stockport College Group, said:
“Following the success of our first cohort, it was fantastic to welcome our new group of business leaders and see those connections already beginning to form.
“Ignite is about giving business leaders the time and space to step away from the day-to-day, learn from experts and each other, and think differently about the future of their businesses.
“The original FE Innovation project gave us the opportunity to develop and test the concept, and we are now building on that learning through Cohort 2 and our new FE Innovation work.
“Working with GMCA, Stockport Council and Stockport Economic Alliance also means we can connect this support directly to Stockport’s wider ambitions for business growth, innovation and productivity.
“We have an exciting programme ahead and we’re looking forward to seeing the ideas, relationships and opportunities that develop as the cohort progresses.”
The programme begins later this month with two masterclasses led by Dr Philip Squire, focusing on adaptive leadership and customer acquisition, growth and scale.
Further sessions will explore practical innovation and digital opportunities, negotiation and influence, long-term business strategy, and the people and culture needed to support sustainable growth.
The programme will culminate in an Ignite celebration event in January 2027, bringing the cohort and wider partners together to share progress, learning and future opportunities.
Stockport Ignite Alliance forms part of Trafford & Stockport College Group’s wider commitment to working alongside employers and place partners as a strategic skills partner. It also demonstrates how FE Innovation funding can help colleges test new approaches, build stronger relationships with local businesses and turn successful ideas into longer-term activity supporting leadership, innovation, productivity and economic growth across Stockport.