Cutting-edge sectors like health innovation and digital are poised to flourish in Bolton – that’s the view of one of area’s prominent business support specialists.

Oliver Witty, from the Greater Manchester Business Growth Hub, became the new Local Innovation Connector for Bolton in March, his role to support companies working in emerging technologies and identify those suitable for enrolment onto the region’s pioneering accelerator programme, Innovation Navigator.

He said: “I’ve been speaking with businesses here almost every day over the past few months about how to speed up their commercialisation plans, and have been bowled over by how many have high growth potential.

“From health tech and rapidly evolving digital spaces to the clean growth sector, it’s clear that Bolton can become a real hub for innovation in its own right, complementing the more established centres in Manchester and Salford.

“Manufacturing also continues to play a massive part in the local economy, and there are equally significant opportunities for those involved in sustainable advanced materials projects. If you’re operating in any of these areas, I’d strongly encourage you to take advantage of the fully-funded support on offer.”

Running to 2025, Innovation Navigator connects businesses to the people, resources and expertise needed to fast-track their products or services to market – opening up access to facilities and expertise previously out of reach.

Eligible businesses can benefit from specialist guidance on everything from new technology adoption to creating bespoke commercialisation plans and maximising value from IP, as well as gaining access to a £1.6million Innovation Grant Fund.

The initiative is run by the publicly-funded GM Business Growth Hub which has helped more than 90,000 companies across Greater Manchester since being founded in 2011 – and is offered free of charge.

Yvonne Grady, Head of Innovation, said: “Oliver is the Innovation Navigator’s person-on-the-ground in Bolton, the first port of call for companies here that need dedicated commercialisation assistance.

“You only need to look at the Wellsprings Innovation Centre opening later this year to see that Bolton has a real focus on using innovation as a driver for growth. It’s becoming more and more a place where ambitious businesses can thrive – and Innovation Navigator is here to support them with whatever they need on their journey.”

Bolton businesses interested in finding out more about the Innovation Navigator programme can call Oliver on 07885 448184 or email Oliver.Witty@growthco.uk.