Announcing the First Wave of Speakers for Greater Manchester’s Premier Business Growth Conference

Jun 4, 2025 | News

As government mandates city regions to submit robust growth plans, Greater Manchester stands poised to showcase not only the momentum it has built but also how its strong tradition of civic entrepreneurship will shape the future.

Whatever their origins, businesses across Greater Manchester have played a vital role in driving the region’s impressive economic success in recent years.

Tickets are now on sale for this landmark event, taking place on October 1st at Manchester Hall—a unique opportunity to connect, share ideas, and help shape the next chapter of Greater Manchester’s growth story.

This conference will set a forward-looking agenda that celebrates Greater Manchester’s legacy of civic entrepreneurship while focusing squarely on future opportunities.

Drawing on insights from the region’s most dynamic and innovative businesses—whether born in Greater Manchester or attracted here to scale—this event promises invaluable inspiration and practical strategies.

Conference Highlights:

  • Mike Emmerich, founder of MetroDynamics, will present for the first time an early draft of his posthumous biography of Sir Howard Bernstein, shedding light on the city’s transformational leadership.

  • Caroline Simpson, Group Chief Executive of GMCA, will unveil the roadmap for the Greater Manchester Growth Plan, outlining priorities and ambitions for the region’s continued success.

  • Alison Ross MBE, COO of Autotrader, will share how the company’s deep commitment to Greater Manchester and its thriving tech community is shaping the future.

  • Spencer Lamb from Kao Data will explain why the new data centre in Stockport is a game-changer for the entire city region’s digital infrastructure.

  • Entrepreneurs from sectors including medtech, software, property, energy, and technology will discuss why they chose Greater Manchester as the base for building their businesses.

  • A lively and powerful session on Manchester’s cultural industries, exploring why they are vital to the city region’s vibrancy. Speakers include Guy Dunstan from Co-op Live, Lucy Noone-Blake, founder of Club De Padel, music entrepreneur Oliver Wilson (son of Tony Wilson), and others.

This event is proudly supported by CMS, GM Business Growth Hub, and The British Business Bank.

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