A new multimillion pound partnership between Manchester and Cambridge has appointed Faye Holland to lead the cross-city team.
Holland becomes Partnership Director of Cambridge x Manchester and will head up the partnership “between the two of the UK’s leading innovation cities.”
Based in Cambridge, she founded and directed communications consultancy, cofinitive, before selling and exiting the business at the end of 2025. She’s currently Chair of the Cambridgeshire Chamber of Commerce and has previously served as Business Board Member for the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority and as a Board Member and key contributor in other organisations involved in tech innovation.
“I’m thrilled to be leading this partnership at a time when collaboration across the UK’s innovation ecosystems has never been more important,” she explained.
“Cambridge and Greater Manchester are two of the UK’s most dynamic innovation ecosystems and by working together we can deliver far greater impact than either could alone. I’m excited to work with partners across both cities to move quickly and define a model for collaboration that could be replicated across the UK.”
The partnership was launched last year, with the inaugural meetings held in Manchester last month.
It’s being driven by the cities’ universities and innovation ecosystem organisations Unit M and Innovate Cambridge, with the aim of boosting economic growth and advancing inclusive innovation.
“Innovation is at the heart of our Manchester 2035 strategy and our sector-first collaboration with Cambridge plays a key role in this. We are working together and using our respective strengths to create a thriving cross-city innovation network, helping to grow investment and deliver inclusive growth,” said Professor Duncan Ivison, President & Vice-Chancellor of The University of Manchester.
“I am so pleased to welcome Faye at such an exciting time for the partnership, and she joins us following an extensive career within the Cambridge innovation cluster. The partnership is a fantastic example of how universities can use their resources to contribute significantly to the economy, and we are all ready to work with Faye to drive it forward.”
Professor Deborah Prentice, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cambridge added:
“I am delighted to welcome Faye Holland as the new Director of the Cambridge x Manchester Partnership. Faye brings an exceptional understanding of the Cambridge innovation ecosystem, alongside a proven experience of convening organisations, championing talent, and strengthening regional collaboration. Her appointment marks an exciting next chapter for this strategic partnership between two great cities and universities.”
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In the role, she’ll spend time in both cities, becoming a key part of the Unit M and Innovate Cambridge leadership teams.
“The Cambridge x Manchester Partnership shows how universities can exchange knowledge, talent and assets and bring together their wider ecosystems to supercharge innovation and growth,” explained Professor John Holden, Vice-President for Civic Engagement and Innovation at The University of Manchester.
“Under Faye’s expert direction, this partnership will produce real-world impact and provide an example for other cities to follow.”
The partnership has been backed by the combined authorities of both cities and has also secured £4.8m from UKRI Research England over the next 3 years and is bolstered by further investment from both universities.
