Building Now With the Future in Mind.

The Hive is where tomorrow's leaders are made today. With a keen eye on the horizon, we provide a foundation that anticipates the needs of the future, ensuring that Oldham's businesses are built to last.

 Powered by social enterprise

Hive is a joint initiative between Oldham Council and Upturn, a local social enterprise that’s all about making positive change happen here in Oldham.

Upturn has helped thousands of people start businesses and we’ve created the Hive to help even more people succeed.

Oldham Council’s business investment team is based at Hive, giving you easy access to that all-important local authority support.

From startups looking for a space to hot-desk, to established businesses that need a place for staff to work flexibly, there’s a place for everyone at Hive.

Hive stands as a beacon of inclusivity, where diversity drives innovation. We're committed  to creating a welcoming environment where every member of the Oldham business community can find support and camaraderie.

Our mission: to create an economy in Oldham that works for everyone.

  • Group of nine people posing together indoors, some wearing business attire and others in casual clothing, standing in front of a wood-paneled wall.

    The Founding Team

    Pictured left to right are: Jonathan Reynolds MP, Secretary of State for Business and Trade and President of the Board of Trade; Dr Zahid Chauhan, OBE Mayor of Oldham; Muzahid Khan DL, Maria Williams and Janet Whitehead (all Upturn), Mr Harry Catherall (Chief Executive Oldham Council); Chelsea Cook, Janet Whitehead and Anwar Ali OBE (all Upturn)

Formed by a group of social entrepreneurs and philanthropists to invest in communities and social enterprises that have traditionally been excluded by mainstream lenders.

Logo showing '25 years' with the text 'Social & Community Capital' and 'Supporting Social Enterprise'

An independent charity, supported by NatWest Group, providing flexible funding to organisations that might struggle to access finance elsewhere.

Logo of Oldham Council featuring a blue circle design with the text "Oldham Council."

Offering free and flexible support offer to help make a real difference to your business.

Hive Partners

Upturn Enterprise logo featuring an upward arrow and stylized U letterform.

With the resources in place to support and guide entrepreneurs through all key stages from idea, starting up, to growing and prospering.

Datacentreplus logo with colorful stacked blocks

Transform your business with powerful hosting, cloud and cyber security solutions.

Barclays Eagle Labs logo in blue text on a white background.

An entrepreneurial network supporting ambitious startups and scaleups.