Driving Inclusion at pro-manchester: A Call for Diverse Voices

Author: Nicola McCormick, COO – pro-manchester

At pro-manchester, we run over 140 events each year, bringing together business leaders, industry experts, and professionals from across Greater Manchester. As we continue to grow, we are committed to ensuring that our events reflect the diverse and inclusive business community we strive to create.

Last year, we launched the Racial Equity Group (REG) with Ngozi Weller as Chair, a proactive initiative aimed at driving real change within our network. REG isn’t just a discussion group—it’s a movement dedicated to embedding racial equity into our city’s business landscape. By working closely with REG and its members, we are taking tangible steps to ensure representation, equity, and access across all our events and initiatives.

Why Representation Matters

Despite Manchester’s rich diversity, racial disparities still exist within leadership roles and business networks. Research shows that while Black professionals make up 15% of Manchester’s population, they hold less than 5% of prominent public positions. These statistics highlight why initiatives like REG are not just important, but essential to creating a fairer, more inclusive business ecosystem.

One key area where change is needed is in representation at our events. Conferences, panel discussions, and keynote speeches shape business narratives, influence decision-making, and provide platforms for thought leadership. If these platforms do not include ethnically diverse voices, we are missing out on valuable perspectives and expertise.

A Call for Ethnically Diverse Speakers

As part of our mission, we are actively seeking ethnically diverse speakers to bring new insights and lived experiences to our events. If you have expertise in business, leadership, innovation, entrepreneurship, or industry-specific knowledge, we would love to hear from you.

If you’re interested, please email [email protected] with:

• Your name
• Your company
• The topics you can speak on

By diversifying our speaker lineup, we are not just ticking a box—we are ensuring that our conversations are clearer, our discussions are more dynamic, and our events truly represent the breadth of talent across Greater Manchester.

Working Together for Lasting Change

Through REG, we are not just highlighting the need for racial equity—we are taking action.

Our Mission & Goals

REG is dedicated to:

• Championing racial equity in business through education, awareness, and action.
• Providing guidance & resources to organisations looking to embed anti-racism into their workplaces.
• Building connections between businesses and Ethnic Minority-Owned Businesses (EMBs).
• Delivering impactful events & workshops to drive positive change.
• Showcasing diverse voices through pro-manchester’s events, social media, and partnerships.

With board-level sponsorship and a passionate team of professionals from organisations such as Aurora, Bruntwood, Clarke Willmott, Browne Jacobson, Beever & Struthers, MMU, and Eversheds, REG is committed to delivering real, measurable impact.

This is a journey that requires collaboration, commitment, and action. By working together, we can ensure that pro-manchester’s events, and the wider business community, reflect the diversity and talent that exists across our region.

Join us

At pro-manchester, we believe in the power of representation, opportunity, and equity. Whether you are a business leader, a speaker, or an ally looking to make a difference, we invite you to join us in creating a more inclusive business community.

Together, we can ensure that every voice is heard, every perspective is valued, and every individual has the opportunity to thrive.

Want to speak at our events? Email [email protected]
Want to learn more about REG? Reach out to rachel.tetlow@pro-manchester to see how you can get involved.