In today’s fast-moving world, innovation doesn’t happen in isolation. It’s the product of conversations, collisions, and collaborations. As someone who has worked across startups, social enterprises, corporates, and everything in between, I’ve seen time and again that staying connected to the wider ecosystem isn’t just important—it’s essential.
At Merseyway Innovation Centre, we’re not just offering space, we’re creating a community. A place where founders, freelancers, and future-thinkers can plug into something bigger than themselves.
It’s About People First
We can talk about tech, tools, and trends—but it always comes back to people. As I wrote recently, “People, communities and population need to be part of the solution not just passive recipients of innovation.” When you surround yourself with diverse voices, you open the door to new ways of thinking. You get challenged. You grow. And you help others grow, too.
Ecosystems Drive Opportunity
Stockport has a thriving business and innovation ecosystem. But it only works when we actively participate in it. That means showing up to events, mentoring the next generation, asking for help, and sharing what we know. Every time we connect, we strengthen the ecosystem and that pays dividends for all of us.
Collaboration Over Competition
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that collaboration beats competition, every time. At Merseyway Innovation Centre, we’re big believers in co-creation, whether that’s tenants collaborating on a project, or brokering relationships across Greater Manchester’s innovation network.
We work closely with partners across the region because we know that great ideas often come from unexpected places. Staying interconnected helps us spot those ideas earlier, build them better, and take them further.
The Future Is Built Together
Innovation is not a solo sport. If we want to solve the complex challenges facing our communities economic inequality, climate change, digital inclusion, we need all hands on deck. And that means building trust, staying open, and making space for everyone at the table.
So, whether you’re a startup founder looking for support, an academic with a breakthrough idea, or a business leader ready to give back get involved. Join the conversation. Be visible. Be curious. That’s how ecosystems thrive.
At Merseyway Innovation Centre, we’re here to connect the dots and we’d love for you to be part of that journey.
By Naomi Timperley – Innovation Director, Merseyway Innovation Centre
