Member Spotlight: Phil Woodbridge, Co-founder, Catalyst 12

Introduce yourself

I help founders fix the part of their business that growth exposes.

I’m Phil, Co-founder of Catalyst 12. We work inside businesses for 12 weeks as an embedded COO and CRO to bring structure, clarity and control when things start to feel chaotic.

No fluff. No theory. Just doing the work that actually moves a business forward.

But if I’m honest…

I didn’t get here the easy way.

Redundancy.
Pressure.
Starting again when it would’ve been easier not to.

That’s why I relate to founders. Because I know what it feels like when it’s all on you.

Career highlight

Being recognised in the 42 Under 42 list was a proud moment.

Not because of the award itself.
Because of what it represented.

A lot of people see the highlights.
They don’t see the setbacks behind them.

For me the real highlight is building Catalyst 12 from scratch this year, turning conversations into clients and partnerships quickly, and proving to myself again that backing yourself is always worth it.

Name three words that describe your personality

Relentless
Loyal
Grounded

What’s the best thing about pro-manchester?

The people feel real.

There’s no ego in the room.
No hard selling.

Just good people trying to help each other build something.

I’ve already had some brilliant conversations and opportunities come from being part of the community.

Plus – it’s created in Manchester

What are your priorities for 2026?

Build Catalyst 12 into something that genuinely helps founders.

Not just another consultancy.
Something that actually makes a difference.

Personally…

Stay present with family.
Stay healthy.
Keep doing things that clear my head like hiking with the Out Of Office Club.

Business is important.

But life outside it matters more than most admit.

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

Manchester is full of ambitious businesses right now.

But I see the same challenge again and again:

Businesses growing faster than their foundations.

More sales.
More people.
More pressure.

But not always more structure.

The businesses that win over the next few years will be the ones that invest in how they operate, not just how they sell.

Favourite meeting place in Manchester

My best meetings don’t happen in meeting rooms.

They happen on walks, over coffee, or after events when the real conversations start.

If I had to pick:
I like Caravan, Ezra and the Wagamama’s lunch deal

Or just a good walk where you can actually talk properly.

Are their any particular types of businesses that you would like to meet?

Founders.

Especially those who feel the weight of responsibility.

Typically £500k–£5m businesses preparing to scale, raise, exit or founder dependant.

Also always keen to meet accountants, lawyers and advisors who genuinely care about their clients and want to add more value.

The best partnerships are built on trust, not transactions.

Get In Touch (optional)

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 07824467522

LinkedIn: Phill Woodbridge