Meet our Board – Alison Loveday- Lockett Loveday McMahon Solicitors

At pro-manchester, we take great pride in being an organization driven by our valued members. Our board and committees consist entirely of member firms, and we are thrilled to introduce you to some of the exceptional individuals who contribute to making pro-manchester the remarkable organisation it is today.

Who is Alison Loveday?

I am a Lawyer at Lockett Loveday McMahon solicitors , and a business consultant and have worked in Manchester for over thirty years . I am well embedded in the business community and support a number of local charities , including the Greater Manchester Mayors Charity which supports those experiencing homelessness . I am Vice- Chair of the board at pro manchester and also joint chair of the Skills Committee.

Career highlight

Securing millions of pounds in compensation for clients who had been mis-sold complex derivative products against a very difficult legal and regulatory backdrop, which as well as the legal proceedings involved lobbying Parliament, press and media engagement, including featuring in a panorama expose.

Name three words that describe your personality?

Empathetic, driven, sociable

Why did you decide that you wanted to be part of the pro-manchester board?

I had been attending events for a number of years. I had seen pro-Manchester move from “Manchester financial and professional forum” to pro-Manchester and was keen to get involved in delivering the change that was needed to the organisation to make it more relevant to other businesses (apart from professional services) and build out the events and activities it offers to its members.

What’s the best thing about pro-manchester?

For me, if you are in business in Manchester, you need to be a member-you can meet businesses of all different sizes and sectors, get to find out what’s going on in the city (including the focus of the Mayor and City Council) and build up connections and develop your personal skill’s. What’s not to like?

What more would you like to see from pro-manchester this year?

I really liked the research that pro-Manchester did with the Greater Manchester Good Employment Charter after Covid . This type of collaboration provides useful insights for its members and is the sort of thing we should do more of.

What are your priorities for 2024?

My priorities are to continue to work on my work life balance-something which we all find challenging

What do you think are the most important things going on in Manchester at the moment?

The changing skyline says it all. The property and construction sectors are really delivering, as is the hospitality sector. It’s driving living in the city centre. We need to continue to grow the supporting services-doctors, dentists, nurseries, schools-so that the city can be accessible to all, not just young professionals living in the city.

Making sure we drive inclusive growth is key – graduates coming through need to understand they don’t need to move away. There are high value jobs and training opportunities right here. Graduates  need to better understand what those opportunities are, and how they can access them.

Favourite quote or saying?

Create your own opportunities and grab every one that comes your way .

Favourite meeting place in Manchester?

Still searching for my new favourite place-it always used to be Restaurant Bar and Grill. There are any new restaurants, bars, café’s to try. My current favourite coffee stop for meetings is Haunt on Mount Street.