The Squeeze: How Smart Manchester Businesses Are Staying Ahead in 2026–2027
THE BIG SQUEEZE
You're running a growing business in 2026. You're managing more complexity, more cost, and more risk than you were three years ago - and the pace isn't slowing down.
This isn't a networking breakfast with slides. It's a straight-talking fireside session built around the questions Manchester business owners are actually wrestling with right now.
We've brought together five of the North West's sharpest business minds - each operating at the front edge of their field - to give you an unfiltered view of what the next 18 months actually looks like, and what to do about it.
On the panel:
The co-owner of teho.ai, helping businesses unlock real competitive advantage through AI before their competitors do.
The MD of HR Toolbox, navigating the most significant shake-up to employment law in a generation.
The Head of M&A at Cowgills, who knows exactly what separates businesses that attract investment from those that don't.
The MD of In Accountancy, keeping growing businesses financially resilient when margins are under pressure.
And the MD of an IT MSP, understanding the threats already targeting businesses your size.
The conversation will cover:
What's genuinely changed about running a business - and what the strongest operators are doing differently. How AI is already creating an unfair advantage for businesses that have moved, and what to do next week if you haven't. What the Employment Rights Bill actually means for how you manage people, and how to stay ahead of it. What investors and acquirers look for and what kills deals before they start. The financial controls that protect you when growth gets uncomfortable. And the cyber threats that are already in play for mid-sized North West firms.
Who this is for:
Founders, MDs and senior leaders running businesses with 20–150 employees who'd rather be ahead of what's coming than scrambling to catch up.
This is a Pro-Manchester exclusive - limited spaces, high-calibre room, and a conversation worth making time for.
Please note that this event is reserved for members only.
If you are interested in becoming a member, please contact [email protected] for more information
About the Speakers:
Andrew Weir is the founder of HR Toolbox Ltd, based in Manchester, that supports UK SME’s, particular those regulated by the CQC, with “1:1 HR support that protects your business”.
Andrew, through HR Toolbox, is on a mission to fix the national HR call centre problem.
If you are a UK business owner employing 10 to 150 employees and you look online for HR support, you mostly find football teams wearing different shirts, also known as HR call centres with protection.
Our founder Andrew used to run a HR call centre for many years and he knows they just don’t work for small business owners.
For outsourced HR, SME’s need it simple: one name, one number, commercial HR options, with as much written for you as possible, saving you time and money.
Basically, HR Toolbox remove the blockers to growth like an interview process not working, a team not performing, or colleagues leaving for the competition and much more…
Samuel advises ambitious owner-managed businesses on acquisitions, disposals, growth strategy, investment and value creation. Working with businesses at pivotal moments in their journey gives him a unique perspective on what separates resilient, high-performing companies from those that struggle when market conditions tighten. He’ll share what investors and acquirers are really looking for, the common mistakes that can damage business value, and the financial realities leaders need to understand as they navigate rising costs, margin pressure and the road to 2027.
David helps organisations understand how work really happens, giving business leaders the insight they need to make smarter decisions about AI, productivity and business transformation. With a background spanning AI, data science and product leadership, including senior roles at NatWest and Nexthink, he brings a practical, evidence-led approach to AI adoption. David will share where businesses are already gaining a competitive advantage through AI, the mistakes many organisations are still making, and the practical opportunities leaders should be acting on now to stay ahead.
Chris works with businesses across the UK to align technology with their growth ambitions, helping leaders improve productivity, strengthen cyber security and build resilient IT strategies. With a relationship-first approach, he partners closely with organisations to understand their challenges and deliver practical technology solutions that support long-term success. Chris will share the technology risks many growing businesses overlook, why cyber security and IT resilience are now business-critical, and the practical steps leaders can take to protect their organisations while enabling future growth.
Interested In The Event?
If you’re interested in attending, you can book online here.
For any further enquires about this event, contact [email protected]
