On Tuesday 30th June 2026, Downtown in Business was delighted to welcome members and guests to a Leaders Lunch with Dave Moutrey, Director of Culture and Creative Industries at Manchester City Council, hosted at the Maldron Hotel Manchester.
As the senior officer responsible for leading the strategic planning, delivery and co-ordination of culture and the creative industries across the city, Dave provided an insightful overview of Manchester’s thriving cultural sector and its growing contribution to the city’s economy.
The discussion explored how Manchester continues to strengthen its position as one of the UK’s leading creative cities, highlighting the opportunities and challenges facing the arts and cultural sector, the importance of investment in creativity, and the role that culture plays in attracting talent, businesses and visitors.
Guests also had the opportunity to hear about the city’s future ambitions for the creative industries and engage in a wide-ranging discussion on how culture can continue to support economic growth and innovation across Manchester.
