pro-manchester is a key business development group that has worked alongside governing bodies, local companies and entrepreneurs to improve the business ecosystem in the North West for over 30 years.
Sam Booth, the group’s first-ever female CEO, truly is an influential member of the region’s business community and is on the Digital City Festival steering panel. For more information about the festival, click here.
As Chief Executive, Sam is in charge of the organisation’s corporate engagement, existing key partnerships and member relationships. It’s her responsibility to connect those working in Manchester’s developing business network and the group’s nearly 200 events a year is how they primarily make that happen.
She described the role of pro-manchester, saying: “A lot of what we do is about breaking down barriers between the creative digital media sector and the financial professional services sector – how they can work together and support each other – helping to educate members, the business community and helping to develop and grow businesses.
“In some ways, we’re an economic development agency so it’s all about supporting business growth and helping Manchester’s economy.”
Serving SMEs
A large proportion of Manchester’s economy is made up of SMEs, who, in many cases, benefit greatly from the ability to learn at pro-manchester events. There’s no surprise then that the group’s SME Club, established “with a mission to see Manchester thrive” is valued by so many.
“Fundamentally, it started off as an online community programme,” Sam said. “The businesses could sign up for free to receive business advice, in two forms, either in a ‘Top 10 Tips’ piece or an ‘ask the expert’ piece.
“Everything that we do is driven by our members. We’re constantly talking to them about what the challenges are, what are the opportunities, and they come to us regularly and highlight topical areas that they could talk about.”
