What began as a last-minute job application turned into a remarkable 12-year journey for former Centre Manager John Booth at Stockport Business & Innovation Centre (SBIC). A strike of luck occurred when one of his friends spotted the Centre Manager vacancy and recognised that John would be a perfect fit.
“He emailed me the details on the day applications closed. I got mine in a couple of hours before the deadline!”
That final-hour application would mark the beginning of a legacy that helped shape SBIC into the thriving business community it is today.
Transforming the Centre
Reflecting on the early days of SBIC, John describes the innovative help that was needed to transform the office into the vibrant space we now recognise: “Oxford Innovation brought in a wealth of experience and immediately set about improving the centre.”
With Oxford Innovation’s support, John oversaw the creation of a welcoming business lounge, an onsite management team, and a strategic PR plan. These initiatives helped the centre double its occupancy within the first 18 months. Following this success, Stockport Mayoral Development Corporation invested in an additional 12 offices for the building, alongside a co-working space and call pods.
Building a Community
One of John’s proudest achievements has been fostering a strong sense of community among customers. Under his leadership, SBIC achieved three consecutive years of 100% customer satisfaction scores, a reflection of both exceptional service and strong business relationships. When asked how he has created such a loyal customer base, John keeps it simple:
“Community can only be achieved if you enjoy working with people. Connecting businesses and helping them wherever we can has helped to build a strong sense of loyalty. Do not take customers for granted and always strive to provide them with great service – even when they don’t expect it!”
Playing a Role in Stockport’s Future
It is not only SBIC’s strong community that makes the centre unique, but also its heritage, as it is located within an industrial cotton spinning mill. The repurposing of Broadstone Mill is just one of the many initiatives included in Stockport Council’s £1 billion regeneration project. As someone born and raised in Stockport, John is passionate about the town’s future.
“Our centres play a key role in the drive to make Stockport a desirable place to both live and work. Our centres drive footfall for other businesses, even those not necessarily located in the Business Centre.”
A Legacy That Lives On
Shifting from the future to the present, I arrived at SBIC this July as a temporary summer worker. Despite joining shortly after John’s retirement, after only a few days it felt as though I already knew him. Warm words from customers, praise from the internal SBIC team, and regular enquiries about how he was doing all conveyed his lasting impact. Curious about the qualities he believes are most important for success as a Centre Manager, I asked for his advice.
“Building a great team, patience, people skills, and positive energy are all key. Just enjoy the day and have fun wherever possible.”
Memorable Moments and Life After SBIC
When I ask him what his favourite memory from SBIC is, he exclaims, “Too many to mention!” But after narrowing them down to a few, he lists: “The annual Christmas party, reaching 100% occupancy, building new facilities, and seeing businesses prosper.”
Although John’s retirement is still fairly fresh, having left only in early June, I ask him what his plans include so far, to which he says “Early days yet, although I am getting married next year. I have enjoyed the excellent summer! I plan to play plenty of golf, join a walking or football group, gardening, and travelling. Basically, anything that does not require a mobile phone or laptop.”
To finish our conversation, I asked John one final question: what does he miss most about SBIC?
His answer came without hesitation.
“The people.”
And perhaps that says everything about the legacy he leaves behind.