Stockport plays host to the second highest concentration of creative businesses within Greater Manchester, employing over 8,000 people. The potential to create a flourishing creative hub outside of Manchester remains one of Stockport’s strongest opportunities. The existing creative cluster in Stockport along with its highly skilled and experienced workforce makes it an ideal location for creative and digital companies.

With the convenience of five universities on its doorstep, one of the largest faculties for Art and Design in the UK (Manchester Metropolitan University) and an abundance of high quality educational facilities, Stockport has a pool of creative talent that is the envy of many of its peers. Creative and digital companies choosing to locate in Stockport can take advantage of a range of business support and networking opportunities. Manchester Digital, Design Initiative and Stockport Economic Alliance in partnership with the Creative Industries Development Service (CIDS), provide companies with a range of advice and support, assisting them to grow and develop. In addition Stockport College has recently been awarded Centre of Vocational Excellence (COVE) status for media, in partnership with 4 other colleges in Greater Manchester, providing further locally based support for the sector.

Stockport has the depth and breadth of commercial property to be able to nurture and house creative and digital enterprises of all sizes. An abundance of cost effective solutions for those working in the creative industries are available and offer increasingly appealing alternatives to those wanting to avoid costly city locations.

The borough also benefits from high quality and reliable ICT infrastructure that has played a key role in helping to establish the sector. Houldsworth Knowledge Village is one location favoured by many creative and digital sector companies. The complex includes Houldsworth Mill and Broadstone Mill and provides a flexible office space at competitive rates, including managed workspace and business incubation facilities.