An Update From Our CEO – March 2021

Spring is on the way and so too a new year of programmes, initiatives and community from pro-manchester. We can’t wait to get started on the next stage of our journey in a period that has required almost constant evolution from ourselves and our members.

Back in July 2020, I reflected on how we had adapted as a team to create a clear strategic plan for pro-manchester to become a digitally enabled, efficient business with the ability to offer more to our members.

Little did I know at that point, that we would experience a second and then third lockdown in quick succession and that, as we came to the third month in 2021, I would be writing a very similar message to you all once again, reflecting on our activity in a very different climate to one we’d ever experienced before.

Greater Manchester and The North West has now spent the best part of a year under various restrictions. During that time we as a business have delivered over 120 events – all of them virtual,  more than 10,000 delegates have joined us for those events which have included key events like our Trailblazing Tech Conference and Made In Manchester Awards.

So What’s Next?

Well, the good news is, it looks extremely likely we will see a return to live events in 2021 and believe me when I say the team and myself cannot wait to get back to the buzz of live events and of course seeing the many members of our community in ‘real life’. We know you agree, with over 89% of you telling us you were keen to get back to ‘in person’ events. Our events programme going forward will be a mixture of live and virtual events including delivering some of our flagship and key events in new hybrid formats.

We’re also looking forward to kicking off new programmes and initiatives including our Health Hub, a new sector group Innovation, and a new programme focusing on Public Affairs. Many of our members said they wanted to see more reports and thought leadership as part of their membership and in response this month we have launched our Insights Hub featuring publications on corporate finance, equality and diversity and business growth, and there will be plenty of opportunities for member firms to commission their own insight reports working in partnership with our team.

Finally, we will soon welcome our new Chair, Founder of OpenMoney Anthony Morrow, who officially takes post at our AGM this month. In his year as Chair Anthony is keen to work on addressing the rebuilding needs of businesses due to COVID-19 alongside longstanding issues such as inclusive employment opportunities.

I said back in  July 2020, that the world had changed,  and with change comes fresh opportunity for us all.  I look forward to working with you all to embrace those opportunities in the coming months.

For more information about pro-manchester and our future activity please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Sam Booth
Chief Executive
[email protected]