On Monday 19th October 2026, Downtown in Business welcomed Councillor Garry Bridges, the new Leader of Manchester City Council, alongside Chief Executive Tom Stannard, for an exclusive Leaders Lunch at the Hyatt Regency Manchester.
The discussion focused on Manchester’s future, with positive conversations around the city’s continued growth, ambition and its role in shaping the national agenda on devolution.
As the city continues to champion economic growth and greater local powers, the lunch provided a valuable opportunity for business leaders to hear directly from the people driving Manchester forward and discuss the opportunities and challenges ahead.
With devolution and local leadership continuing to shape the national conversation, Manchester remains at the forefront of discussions about how cities can unlock investment, support businesses and deliver sustainable economic growth.
Thank you to Councillor Garry Bridges and Tom Stannard for joining us, and to everyone who attended and contributed to such an engaging discussion.
