Downtown in Business has reaffirmed its close relationship with Manchester’s civic leadership, hosting an exclusive Leaders Lunch with the new Leader of Manchester City Council, Councillor Garry Bridges, and the council’s Chief Executive, Tom Stannard.
The invitation-only event, held at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Manchester, brought together a select group of senior business leaders from the Downtown in Business (DIB) network for a wide-ranging conversation about the city’s economic future, investment opportunities, and the continued importance of collaboration between the public and private sectors.
The lunch provided an opportunity for Manchester’s new leadership team to share its vision for the city, discuss the challenges and opportunities ahead, and hear directly from some of the businesses helping to drive Manchester’s continued success.
The event also demonstrated DIB’s longstanding relationship with Manchester City Council, having worked closely with previous council leaders Sir Richard Leese and Bev Craig, who has since taken on the role of Mayor of Greater Manchester.
Despite the changes in political leadership, the message from the lunch was one of continuity, confidence and ambition, with Manchester determined to maintain its reputation as one of the UK’s most dynamic and successful cities.
Councillor Garry Bridges, Leader of Manchester City Council, said:
“Manchester is a city that has never been short of ambition, and that ambition remains as strong as ever.
“We have built tremendous momentum over recent years, attracting investment, creating jobs, supporting innovation and establishing Manchester as a leading international city.
“Our challenge now is to build on that success, ensuring that economic growth continues and that the opportunities it creates are felt across all our communities.
“Working in partnership with our business community will be absolutely central to achieving those ambitions.”
Tom Stannard, Chief Executive of Manchester City Council, added:
“Manchester’s success has been built on strong partnerships, and our relationship with the private sector remains fundamental to the city’s future.
“Engaging directly with business leaders helps us understand the opportunities, challenges and priorities facing employers and investors, and ensures that our economic strategy remains ambitious, informed and responsive.
“Events like this provide an important opportunity for open dialogue, fresh thinking and strengthening the relationships that will help Manchester continue to thrive.”
Frank McKenna, Chief Executive of Downtown in Business, said:
“Over the past two decades, Downtown in Business has enjoyed an excellent working relationship with Manchester City Council, particularly during the leadership of Sir Richard Leese and Bev Craig.
“It was fantastic to welcome Garry Bridges and Tom Stannard to our latest Leaders Lunch and to hear that, while there may be a new face at the top of the council, the positive messaging, ambition and determination to deliver for Manchester remain very much the same.
“Manchester has been one of the great UK economic success stories of the past 25 years. That success hasn’t happened by accident. It has been driven by strong civic leadership, a clear vision, and a genuine willingness to work with the private sector.
“What impressed me most was the continued confidence in Manchester’s future and the recognition that business must remain at the heart of the city’s growth agenda.
“At a time when the UK desperately needs its major regional cities to be firing on all cylinders, Manchester continues to demonstrate what can be achieved through ambition, partnership and a willingness to get things done.
“Downtown in Business looks forward to continuing our close working relationship with Garry, Tom and their colleagues as Manchester enters its next exciting chapter.”
The lunch forms part of DIB’s ongoing programme of exclusive Leaders Lunches, bringing together senior decision-makers from politics, business and the public sector to encourage dialogue, strengthen relationships and promote economic growth.
To find out more about upcoming Downtown in Business events visit www.downtowninbuisness.com/events.
