Forward with Pride: Reflecting on the Past, Shaping the Future

An invitation to the pro-manchester network, partners and wider community

The PageGroup Pride@Page network is delighted to invite the pro-manchester community, alongside partners, customers and allies, to Forward with Pride – an evening designed to spark meaningful conversation, challenge thinking and bring people together.

Taking place in Manchester, Thursday June 25^th 2026, this special event will blend thought leadership with connection, creating space for honest dialogue around the future of LGBTQ+ inclusion in the workplace and beyond.

Event Schedule

• 16:00 – Registration and early networking
• 16:30 – Fireside chat with Dr Carl Austin-Behan OBE DL
• 17:30 – Networking mixer

Hosted by

• Nathan Ross, Regional Manager, HR North West & Chair, UK Inclusion Committee
• Aimee Harris, Talent Acquisition Partner & UK Pride@Page Lead

About the Event

At its core, Forward with Pride is about moving the conversation forward together.

Through an engaging fireside chat with Dr Carl Austin-Behan OBE DL, we will explore what organisations, leaders and communities still need to learn, and what we must do differently, to create environments where LGBTQ+ individuals can truly thrive.

Carl brings a powerful and deeply personal perspective. From serving in the RAF and being discharged due to his sexuality, to becoming Manchester’s first openly gay Lord Mayor, his journey is one of resilience, leadership and real societal change. Today, as a pro-manchester board representative and Chair of the EDI Committee, he continues to shape the region’s conversation on inclusion.

What We’ll Explore

This won’t be a surface-level conversation. Together, we’ll challenge assumptions and share perspectives on topics that matter:

• What authentic leadership and allyship really look like – beyond performative gestures
• Why LGBTQ+ representation still declines at senior leadership and board level
• Whether corporate Pride has become too comfortable, and what meaningful progress and accountability should look like in practice

Why Attend

Designed to be inclusive, thought-provoking and enjoyable, this event welcomes:

• LGBTQ+ professionals across all sectors
• Leaders and decision-makers committed to inclusive cultures
• Employee network (ERG) members and advocates
• Allies who want to play an active role in driving real change

Expect insightful conversation, great company and genuine connection, with plenty of opportunity to network throughout the evening.

Food and refreshments – including alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks and a charcuterie spread – will be available as the discussions continue into a relaxed networking mixer.

Join Us

This is an opportunity to step beyond the usual conversations, connect with like-minded individuals across the pro-manchester network, and leave with fresh perspective and practical insight on how we all contribute to more inclusive workplaces.

Register your place here

Please note: Registration is required in advance, and only registered attendees will be admitted.

Let’s move the conversation forward… together.