Member Spotlight: Neil Sankey, Business Development Manager, Restaurant Associates

1. Introduce yourself

Hi, I’m Neil Sankey, Business Development Manager for Restaurant Associates, based at IWM North. I’m passionate about building meaningful connections that help position the museum as a key venue for meetings and events across Greater Manchester and the North West.

2. Career highlight

Having spent the majority of my career in hospitality, making a difference to the customer experience has always been at the heart of what I do. Whether it was delivering great service in my early restaurant days or, more recently, working in partnership with airlines to take customers on unforgettable fam trips to Abu Dhabi and Minneapolis—creating moments that truly stay with people has been a real highlight. And now, joining IWM North, I’m proud to be offering an events space that’s truly unique—steeped in history and designed to inspire.

3. Name three words that describe your personality

Fun, approachable, and inclusive.

4. What’s the best thing about pro-manchester?

I think pro-manchester offers an excellent service in supporting businesses to connect. They also host fantastic events that provide both valuable networking opportunities and insightful educational content.

5. What are your priorities for 2025?

Having been out of the industry for a few years due to COVID, my priority for 2025 is to reconnect and expand my network in Manchester and the wider event planning community. This will help me showcase the unique meeting and event space that IWM North has to offer.

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

Manchester’s focus on driving sustainable events is a key priority right now. There’s also a strong push to create events that not only contribute to the local economy but also encourage collaboration between businesses to offer a first-class experience for both local and inbound events.

7. Favourite meeting place in Manchester

I’m a very social person, so I love Manchester’s amazing food and drink scene—from the vibrant Northern Quarter to the lively Gay Village. There’s always something new to explore, making it the perfect backdrop for meetings and catch-ups.

8. Are there any particular types of businesses that you would like to meet?

I’d love to connect with anyone who has a need for meetings or events in the North West. Whether you’re looking for a unique venue or just exploring options, feel free to drop me a line and come visit the museum to see what we have to offer.

Get In Touch 
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 07823 819372
LinkedIn: (15) Neil Sankey | LinkedIn