Oldham platform, one to build trade on
An online platform to link businesses large and small for the benefit of all, has been highlighted as a national first for others to follow.
Launched today at the Hive hub in the Spindles Shopping Centre, the Oldham Trading Platform run by Upturn, is believed to be the first in the nation to encourage big companies to source their services locally.
The aim is to create a thriving local ecosystem to streamline the trading process, provide a digital space where businesses can interact, empower our community, and together create an economic boom in our borough.
The online platform features details of how businesses can work with each other and what resources are available. Its other key functions, include:
- A business directory listing all suppliers in the scheme, to make connection with other Oldham businesses simple
- An opportunities tab where businesses can stay informed about local events and discover new chances to partner up
- Support to help them navigate challenges or seize opportunities - whether it's seeking advice on compliance issues, financial support, or training programmes
- Help with legal requirements, industry guidelines and promoting transparency and accountability
Businesses will pay a monthly subscription fee to access the trading platform and receive Upturn’s support.
Additionally, corporate sponsors will pay for packages to support the platform and gain visibility within the local business community.
This will sustain the platform, cover operational costs, and ensure it remains a valuable service to partners.
Anwar Ali OBE, the CEO of Upturn said: “This is a unique opportunity for commerce to come together and foster and grow each other, all with the aim of supporting their community to thrive. For small businesses, this is a once in a lifetime chance to supply and service bigger concerns, and for the bigger company, it enables them to source goods and services locally as part of their Environmental, Social and Governance initiatives. If you haven’t yet joined, do so now, there are other boroughs gazing enviously at Oldham and seeing how we are working together so successfully – so you will want to be there at the start!”
Councillor Arooj Shah, Leader of Oldham Council, said: "This is a great opportunity for Oldham businesses to work together and support each other. By keeping trade local, we can help our economy grow, create more jobs and make it easier for businesses to find the services they need right on their doorstep.
Oldham has always been a place of innovation, from the birth of the world’s first test-tube baby, Louise Brown, at Oldham Hospital in 1978, to the creation of Colin the Caterpillar cakes made at Park Cakes. This platform is another example of how we’re leading the way. I’d encourage all businesses to get involved and make the most of it."
