Business Community

If you start a business in Rochdale, or relocate to the Borough, you become part of a progressive, supportive business community.

Over 7,000 businesses operate in Rochdale, with more arriving all the time. Manufacturing, advanced manufacturing and logistics are key sectors, taking advantage of the town’s industrial heritage, excellent education and training institutions, and unbeatable connections by road, rail and tram - Find out more.

In addition, we boast significant and growing digital and creative, business services, and leisure and tourism sectors. The RDA offers supports to both start-ups and 1,000 plus employee businesses - and everything in-between.

Rochdale is the birthplace of cooperation and our public and private sectors work together to create the most business-friendly environment in the region.

Crystal Door celebrates 25 years established in Rochdale. Enjoying the successes of our business with the supported of a fantastic local team of employees,  business, community, organisations and local Authority. Co-operation at its best.

Richard Hagan - Managing Director, Crystal Doors

A sense of community

The RDA works with Rochdale Borough Council, local education providers and business networks to ensure every firm in the town receives the support it needs.

Communication

The RDA produces Business Matters, a newsletter dedicated to bringing you the latest updates and business news from across the borough. To receive a copy please click here and complete your details.

Here are the details of some local networking groups:

Business Growth Hub
Hold regular networking events across Greater Manchester. These are free to attend but you must register via their website. 

GM Chamber
Hold GMCC Networking events across the area, helping you make contacts and do business. Also offers you the chance to have your say on the issues that are affecting your business, particularly on campaigns the Chamber runs. As a member you can attend forums across Greater Manchester. For further information call 0161 359 3597 or visit their website

Rochdale Online
A web based business offering marketing and advertising support to local businesses. Maintain a business directory. www.rochdaleonline.co.uk

Rochdale Rugby Union Business Club
Meets on the first Monday of the month at the Rugby Union Club in Bamford.  For more information contact Phil Hargreaves at: lacremekitchens@yahoo.co.uk or visit their website

Springhill Hospice Business Buddies
Meet monthly - good way of networking whilst supporting a local charity. £300 annual subscription. For more details contact the Fundraising team: springhillbb@nhs.net

First Friday Network
Meets the first Friday of the month :    FireUp,Old Fire Station, Maclure Road, Rochdale OL11DN from 12.30-2.00pm. No prior booking required. For more information contact Robert.newman@uk-ccm.com

BNI Rochdale
Part of the BNI network, meeting at Rochdale Golf Club. Meet weekly on a Thursday morning 7am – 9.30am. You do need to be a member to attend regularly and only one of each sector is allowed to join.  For more information please contact khargreaves@asthampsons.co.uk

Professionals of Dale (PoD)
The group meet at 3pm on the 2nd Thursday each month at The Plough, 179 Bolton Road, Rochdale, OL11 3LW.
For more details please see:  Professionals of Dale: Overview | LinkedIn or email helen.critchlow@hlnmarketing.co.uk

Unique Ladies
Meets the first Thursday of the month at Rochdale Football Club. No subscription needed. For more information see : Rochdale - Unique Ladies Networking

RDA NetWalks
Our monthly NetWalks are an informal opportunity to meet local business professionals while getting some fresh air and exercise. All the walks are between 2-3 miles and take under an hour. For details of upcoming dates visit our events page or follow the RDA on LinkedIn

EmpowerHER
A monthly female networking breakfast that takes place at the Hampton by Hilton hotel in Rochdale. For more information or to book a place contact abigail.hindle@hilton.com

Better Networking Hub
Meets every other Wednesday morning at the Royal Toby 7am – 9am. For more information please see Better Networking Groups