Stockport Ignite Alliance – Leadership, Innovation & Growth Programme

Applications are now open to express interest for Cohort 2 of the Stockport Ignite Alliance, a fully funded leadership, innovation and growth programme for ambitious Stockport SME owners and senior leaders.

Building on the success of the first cohort, Ignite brings together a carefully selected group of local business leaders to learn from expert facilitators, explore new approaches to growth and innovation, and build trusted relationships with peers facing similar opportunities and challenges.

Delivered by Trafford & Stockport College Group and fully funded by the UK Government via Stockport Council’s Economic Development and Regeneration Flexible Grant (EDRFG), the programme provides eligible businesses with access to high-quality leadership development, expert insight and tailored support at no cost.

More than a business support programme, Ignite creates an environment where leaders can step outside the day-to-day demands of running a business, challenge their thinking, share experiences and gain practical insights that can be applied immediately.

What participants are saying

“The Ignite programme has been invaluable in helping me scale Firstplay Dietary Foods.” Tom Fletcher, Firstplay Dietary Foods

“The Ignite programme gave us the time and space to step away from day-to-day operations and focus on the bigger picture.” Sophie Macaulay, GRIT Studios

“The Stockport Ignite Alliance is a fabulous group of small and micro businesses, all looking to learn, grow and network together.” Liz Chiva, Hallidays HR

Why join Ignite?

The Stockport Ignite Alliance creates a trusted environment where business leaders can step away from day-to-day pressures, challenge their thinking, explore opportunities and gain fresh perspectives from both expert speakers and fellow business owners.

Participants benefit from:

• A carefully selected cohort of ambitious Stockport business leaders
• Six expert-led masterclasses focused on leadership, innovation and growth
• Access to experienced business speakers and practitioners
• Dedicated time to focus on the future of the business
• Peer learning and meaningful business connections
• Tailored 1:1 support
• Membership of a growing leadership community that continues beyond the programme

Programme Structure

Successful applicants will take part in six interconnected masterclasses designed to strengthen leadership capability, encourage innovation and support sustainable business growth.

Optional Launch Event – Ignite Alliance Social
(Thursday 10 Sept I 5.30-7.30pm I Stockport Gin, St Petersgate, Stockport) An opportunity to meet fellow cohort members and begin building connections.

Masterclass 1 – Leadership & Self
(Tuesday 29 Sept I 09.00am-1.00pm I Cornerstone, Edward St, Stockport)
Dr Philip Squire: Developing adaptive leadership behaviours and mindsets that enable innovation and change.

Masterclass 2 – Customer Acquisition, Growth & Scale
(Tuesday 29 Sept I 2.00pm-5.00pm I Cornerstone, Edward St, Stockport)
Dr Philip Squire: Exploring innovative approaches to customer value, sales effectiveness and organisational growth.

Masterclass 3 – Accelerating Improvement Through Innovation
(Thursday 22 October I 9.00am-1.00pm I Stockport College, Wellington Road, Stockport)
Naomi Timperley: Practical innovation, digital opportunities and new ways of working to improve productivity using Design Sprint methodology.

Masterclass 4 – Negotiation & Influence
(Thursday 19 November I 9.00am-1.00pm I Park Square, Cheadle)
Kevin Taylor: Developing practical negotiation skills to support stronger commercial outcomes and business relationships.

Masterclass 5 – Designing Your Future Business: Strategy & Planning
(Thursday 17 December I 1.00pm-5.00pm I Stockport College, Wellington Road, Stockport)
Carl Hampson: Applying strategic thinking to long-term growth, resilience and organisational development.

Optional Christmas Social
(Thursday 17 December I From 5.30pm I Venue TBC)

Masterclass 6 – People & Culture
(January 2027 I 9.00am-1.00pm I Date and location TBC)
Sarah Chadbourne: Building the culture, behaviours and leadership practices needed to support sustainable growth.

Ignite Celebration Event
(Thursday 28 January I Time and venue TBC)

Additional Support

Business Innovation 1:1 Sessions with Leah Coyle, Employer Partnerships Lead, Trafford & Stockport College Group. Access to Greater Manchester’s wider business support partners.

What makes Ignite different?

The Stockport Ignite Alliance is:

• Stockport-first and Stockport-led
• Designed specifically for SME founders, owners and senior leaders
• Focused on leadership, innovation and sustainable growth
• Built around peer learning, collaboration and trusted relationships
• Supported by the Stockport Economic Alliance, bringing together business, education and local partners around a shared ambition for growth
• Designed to develop into a long-term leadership community

The masterclasses are only part of the experience. The real value comes from becoming part of a network of ambitious leaders who continue to learn from one another long after the formal programme ends.

Eligibility

The programme is open to Stockport SMEs that:

• Are based in Stockport
• Employ between 2 and 50 people
• Have annual turnover between £75,000 and £5 million
• Can nominate an owner, founder or senior decision-maker to attend
• Can commit to participating throughout the programme

Places are limited and applications will be reviewed to ensure alignment with the programme objectives.

Fully Funded

This programme is fully funded by the UK Government via Stockport Council’s Economic Development and Regeneration Flexible Grant (EDRFG), enabling eligible businesses to access expert-led leadership and innovation support at no cost.

Click here to reserve your spot today