pro.manchester steps up a gear in 2010

Following the appointment of chief executive, John Ashcroft, pro.manchester is moving into 2010 with a series of headline initiatives targeting core groups within its membership.

Gateway Group
Keen to engage the ‘powerhouse’ of senior partners and managing directors  within the city region’s top 20 member organisations, pro.manchester has launched its Gateway Breakfast Programme. This offers the opportunity for senior professionals to meet, network and discuss hot topics in an informal environment. The Gateway Group includes the fifty most influential individuals from the Financial and Professional Community in Greater Manchester

MPEG Players
Capitalising on Manchester’s credentials as the largest corporate finance and private equity community outside London, pro.manchester is also setting up a dedicated group to represent these interests.  The Manchester Private Equity Group is set to include all of the Private Equity Firms in Greater Manchester.

Commenting on this, John Ashcroft said: “Manchester is the largest centre for private equity outside of London. Collectively, we are a real force and have the ability to attract new investment and projects to the city from across the UK. The MPEG players are an exciting group of individuals with whom to work. It should be great fun!”

BVCA joins pro.manchester
The British Venture Capital Association joins pro.manchester to collectively develop the interests of the Manchester Private Equity Group. Andrew Graham, Chief operating Officer of the BVCA will join the MPEG players to capitalize on initiatives and to develop opportunities with the Business Schools and other HEIs in Greater Manchester.

Digital Media and Creative Group
As a magnet for connectivity, pro.manchester will be using its position within the ‘Manchester family’ of public and private sector organisations to ensure momentum and growth in specific markets. A key growth channel identified by the organisation is the digital media and creative sector, which will also be harnessed by pro.manchester into a dedicated group.

“Private equity funding is a key issue for economic development, particularly seed capital, pre-revenue funding and multi-stage funding for entrepreneurs, SMEs and the future ‘gazelles of growth’.” Many of the new opportunities will be found in this exciting sector which provides a natural connectivity with the MPEG and Corporate Finance Group.

Commenting on this, Ashcroft said: “We have our ears close to the ground and recognise the potential for growth in the digital and creative sector, which will no doubt be accelerated by the internationally significant initiatives such as MediaCity, the Sharp project and the Hive.

“This is an exciting time for pro.manchester and we’re keen to embrace 2010 with a clear strategy to represent the city region’s financial and professional sector.”