If you’re planning to launch a North-West based start-up business, then Wigan may be the ideal location for you. You’ll be in great company too as Wigan is home to more than 76% of the world’s top 25 major food production companies including the Heinz factory, which is the largest food factory in Europe!

Although logistics and manufacturing industries continue to contribute heavily to the local economy, the borough of Wigan has become increasingly popular for innovative and ambitious start-up businesses. Emerging industries include the digital and creative sector, real ale micro-breweries and an increase in health and environment focused businesses.

Looking for a new challenge? Take a look at these reasons to launch your start-up business in Wigan.

Location

Increased rent in city centre offices and retail stores means many businesses are looking for cheaper alternative locations. It may not be one of the first business hubs that spring to mind after New York, London and Tokyo, but Wigan has a lot to offer and is home to many diverse local start-ups.

Located halfway between the cities of Liverpool and Manchester, Wigan boasts fantastic transport links, access to the whole of the North West market and plenty of opportunity for growth.

By car, Manchester can be reached in less than an hour from Wigan town centre. Easy access to the motorway network will make business trips a breeze via the M61, the M6 and M62 or the M61 and A56. Liverpool can be reached in around the same time via the M58, A571 and A580 or the M62. If the big smoke calls, then London can be reached in under four hours via the M6 and M40.

With two train stations in the town centre, Wigan Wallgate and Wigan North Western, the area also benefits from fantastic public transport links with a regular, speedy service to the surrounding cities.

Opportunity

With so much opportunity on the horizon, there’s never been a better time to launch a start-up business in Wigan and become part of a diverse network of local enterprises. Paramount to the Greater Manchester devolution, Wigan is a vital part of the Northern Powerhouse movement receiving large amounts of public funding and support in developing the local economy.

Emerging industries such as the digital and professional services sector are leading in the way. This new-wave of local business is building on the hard-working spirit of Wigan’s industrial past and launching the borough to the forefront of the North West’s exciting future.

Over the next decade, Wigan is also set to benefit from High Speed 2 (HS2) a super-fast railway line connecting major cities and improving the commute from the north to the capital. Currently under construction, once implemented the infrastructure will make Wigan a short half an hour journey from Birmingham and allow you to reach London in less than 90 minutes.

The HS2 is predicted to have a huge, positive impact on Wigan businesses and start-ups by improving access for customers, suppliers etc. The new railway is also set to improve the economy through job opportunities and local investment.

Wigan is also a popular residential area too for commuting professionals and young families, great opportunity to become part of a fantastic community. Establishing your business in the borough will also allow you access as an employer to a skilled workforce and talent pool with more than 20 universities located within a relatively short drive.

SureStore Wigan

Aside from the superb location and wealth of opportunity, another reason to launch your start-up business in Wigan should be our affordable and industry-leading self-storage facility. At SureStore Wigan, we pride ourselves on offering innovative business storage solutions to support local enterprises and start-ups in their growth and development.

Our units are available in a range of sizes, ideal for storing products, excess stock, equipment or archived documents. Customers also benefit from free, unlimited Wi-Fi perfect for checking up on emails or taking e-commerce orders. Our dedicated team are also on hand to sign for any deliveries!

With so many reasons for launching your start-up business in Wigan, what are you waiting for? Contact SureStore Wigan today to find out more about how our business storage solutions can help you.