The Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce (GMCC) has announced a strategic partnership with Employment Hero, a global HR, payroll, and benefits platform, to support small businesses in the Greater Manchester region.

With over 4,200 members, GMCC is the largest accredited Chamber of Commerce in the UK. Through this collaboration with Employment Hero, serving 20,000 SMEs and 200,000 employees nationwide, GMCC aims to diversify its support offering and provide essential resources like payroll management, HR, and recruitment to strengthen the local business ecosystem.

A recent report from GMCC highlighted the significant demand for customer-facing roles, especially in sectors like Care and Hospitality. However, 65% of employers reported difficulty in filling these positions, posing a challenge for the local economy. Employment Hero’s platform offers solutions for SMEs grappling with complex HR processes, including talent matching tools powered by AI to streamline recruitment and optimise staffing levels.

Streamlining HR Processes

Reet Sercombe, Head of Membership and Events at GMCC, emphasised the importance of empowering small businesses across the North with essential resources and connections for success.

“Regardless of their industry or scale, every company grapples with HR challenges,” Sercombe added. “Teaming up with Employment Hero bolsters our support system, providing SMEs in Greater Manchester with a robust platform to nurture and expand their teams.”

Employment Hero, one of the world’s fastest-growing SaaS companies, has the goal of simplifying the lives of SMEs by streamlining HR processes. Kevin Fitzgerland, Employment Hero UK MD, highlighted the partnership’s potential to boost the local economy by liberating business owners from administrative burdens, allowing them to focus on growth.

The collaboration between GMCC and Employment Hero reflects a commitment to driving economic growth and showcasing Greater Manchester’s innovation and resilience. By providing SMEs with essential resources and support, the partnership aims to bolster the local business community and contribute to the region’s prosperity.