pro-manchester celebrates record year as membership surpasses 400

pro-manchester, the region’s largest growth network, has achieved its most successful year to date, with revenue on track to achieve £1m for the first time by the end of its current financial year in March 2027.

The growth has been fuelled by a flurry of new members, having now welcomed more than 400 organisations across Greater Manchester, marking the highest membership in its history.

Membership has almost doubled since 2021, when the network had 224 members, with numbers steadily increasing year-on-year, reaching 385 at the end of March 2026. As pro-manchester expands beyond Manchester city centre into the region’s boroughs, it aims to grow membership beyond 500 over the next 12 months.

This has led to a record financial year for pro-manchester, having achieved revenue of more than £859,000 in the year ending 31st March 2026, up from £824,000 in 2025 and £758,000 in 2024. Growth has also been supported by continued investment in the team, with headcount now standing at 14, up from 10 the year prior and double the number in 2018.

pro-manchester will reinvest this growth to expand its programme of roundtables, training and events including the annual Corporate Finance Lunch, REG Connect, and the Made in Manchester Awards (MiMAs), strengthening the opportunities for businesses across Manchester to connect, develop and shape the future of the region.

The milestone year also coincides with pro-manchester’s 40th anniversary, having been supporting regional businesses since 1986. It follows the recent news that Nick Rose will succeed Alison Loveday as its Chair as the organisation enters its next chapter.

Today, pro-manchester hosts more than 150 events each year across sectors that include financial and professional services, creative, green economy, technology and innovation, hospitality, health, EDI, property and more.

Sam Booth, Co-Chief Executive of pro-manchester, said: “As we celebrate our 40th anniversary this summer, I’m thrilled to mark two additional milestones with record membership and revenue. These achievements wouldn’t have been possible without the dedication of the full pro-manchester team and the continued support of our members across Greater Manchester. We want to thank everyone that has been a part of our journey over the last four decades.”

Nicola McCormick, Co-Chief Executive of pro-manchester, added: “Manchester continues to be one of the most vibrant, resilient and fastest growing regions in the UK. Our growth reflects the increasing demand for meaningful connections and collaboration between businesses, and the value our members place on being part of a dynamic growth network.

“Looking ahead, we’re confident we’ll achieve £1 million in revenue for the first time this year, enabling us to reinvest even more into our growth network. We’ll continue to deliver engaging and insightful events and opportunities that bring ambitious businesses together, while responding to the evolving challenges organisations face so they can continue to thrive today and in the future.”