Manchester Innovation Founders Platform

Scot has broad leadership experience across retail, hospitality, and events, with a track record of driving growth both in the UK and internationally. In recent years, he’s played a key role in accelerating the tech ecosystem in Manchester, helping scale SMEs through innovation-driven events, building strategic partner networks, and embedding himself in the local business community. As part of the Business Engagement and Knowledge Exchange team at The University of Manchester, Scot leverages his unique skill set to bridge the gap between academic experts and industry leaders, fostering collaborations that drive economic growth, social impact, and cultural advancement. As a passionate Mancunian his focus is on creating value-driven partnerships that best serve the region and its people.

Ben is the group marketing director for Praetura Group. As part of the wider group, Praetura Ventures is an award-winning tech and life sciences focused VC, born-and-bred in the North of England. Praised for its early backing of northern success stories such as Peak, XR Games and Culture Shift, the Manchester-based VC has now become known for its ‘more than money’ approach to supporting early-stage founders post investment. Before Praetura, he headed up the marketing for Social Chain’s media division around the time of its IPO. Ben also co-founded the alternative co-working and event space Ziferblat UK.

As Digital Strategy Lead at Manchester City Council, Sherelle is responsible for the implementation of the citywide ambitious Digital Strategy, which focuses on the relationship between technology and socioeconomics within a place. Through the strategy, Sherelle drives citywide collaboration in aim to ensure – digitally skilled residents, future-proofed infrastructure, a thriving digital economy and a digitally enabled transition to zero-carbon. Sherelle has worked within the inequalities and social change space across the public and community sector for over 10 years now and is curious about the role of innovation to create valuable solutions that can benefit all.  

Vicky is a partner in the Mills & Reeve corporate team with a particular focus in the life sciences, health and technology sectors. She works with clients on a variety of corporate matters including: disposals and acquisitions, investments (equity and debt); corporate governance; shareholder and joint venture arrangements and corporate restructures and reorganisations. Recent highlights include advising a number of management teams in the life sciences and biotech space on equity investments and additional fund raisings as well as a strategic restructure. Client feedback and why you would speak to Vicky about corporate issues:   “extremely knowledgeable, approachable and above all a pleasure to deal with.”