Ambitious conference looking at global visions for Manchester’s future

Manchester is hosting a landmark conference this month to discuss the city’s future and global ambitions following the Covid-19 pandemic.

PROGRESS21 is taking place at Manchester Central on Thursday 23 September looking at everything from attracting global cash into the city to export opportunities for businesses to what the future of work is going to look like.

It is one of the biggest in-person events to be held in the city this year as the country comes to the end of the Government’s roadmap winding down the restrictions brought in to contain Covid-19.

Organisers say this also makes it the ideal time to start focusing on economic recovery from the pandemic and what the future holds.

What is Progress21?

Essentially PROGRESS21 is three events in one, all taking place on the same day in the well-known exhibition and events space.

PROGRESS21 Careers is a huge jobs fair bringing together those looking for work with dozens of high-profile employers.

More than 1,000 roles in the city-region will be on offer.

PROGRESS21 Business will provide specialist support and information to enterprises across Manchester as they attempt to recover from the economic toll the novel coronavirus has taken.

While PROGRESS21 Global will look well beyond these shores as it brings people and organisations together to think about promoting Manchester abroad to attract money and visitors into the city.

What is happening at PROGRESS21 Careers?

A total of 60 employers will be exhibiting at the careers aspect of the conference.

People who are unemployed, furloughed, looking for a career change, wanting to find a chance to upskill or hoping to take the next step in their career will be able to connect with the likes of NHS Professionals, M&S, Talk Talk, the Royal Air Force, Network Rail and a range of hotels including The Lowry Hotel and Hotel Football.

Roles including care workers, ambulance drivers, administrators and housekeepers will all be available.

Local businesses will also be offering an opportunity to win prizes ranging from restaurant experiences to shopping vouchers, smart phones and technology.

Organisations such as Citizens Advice and Job Centre Plus will be on hand to support people with health, well-being and personal finance.

While Barfection will be running mocktail masterclasses and highlighting some of the opportunities available within bars, hotels and restaurants across Greater Manchester.

What is happening at PROGRESS21 Business?

Companies from across Greater Manchester will be able to get expert insight and support for the post-pandemic landscape at the conference’s business strand.

The event will be looking at economic recovery and growth opportunities in the wake of the unprecedented events of 2020 to contain the spread of Covid-19.

There will be presentations, seminars and workshops on critical business issues including increasing sales, dealing with finance challenges and raising growth capital, developing a high-performing and inclusive workforce, achieving digital transformation and understanding Net Zero and what becoming far greener and more environmentally-friendly means for companies.

Sessions will also take place on the future of the Greater Manchester economy with the city-region’s elected mayor Andy Burnham and Greater Manchester Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) chair Lou Cordwell as well as a panel of economists and social enterprises.

What is happening at PROGRESS21 Global?

The international aspect of PROGRESS21 is all about ensuring Manchester is known around the world and a favoured destination for investment and travel.

Mr Burnham and Ms Cordwell will lead this session along with minister for exports Graham Stuart and provide an opportunity for businesses to discuss the city-region’s vision for developing its global potential.

Leading figures will discuss the changing world of work and the effect Covid-19 has had on issues such as working from home and the future of offices.

There will also be sessions about Greater Manchester’s potential as a digital city, innovation, the recovery of international tourism and the city-region’s ambitious plan to become carbon neutral by 2038.

Event organisers say they hope to regain Manchester’s position as a global powerhouse.

What have those involved said about the event?

The event is being put on by The Growth Company (GC), a massive not-for-profit organisation dedicated to boosting employment, skills, investment and enterprise and driving forward within communities.

Michelle Leeson, managing director for GC Employment, said: “PROGRESS21 is about Greater Manchester’s recovery and the future success of our city-region. Key to this is supporting people across Greater Manchester into the right jobs and this event will offer those opportunities.

“So, whether you are unemployed, furloughed or simply looking for a new challenge, I’d encourage you to get involved and explore the opportunities available, as well as the wide range of advice, guidance and practical help available through specialist organisations.”

One of the organisations that will be exhibiting is SUEZ Recycling and Recovery UK.

The company’s partnership and social value co-ordinator Karen Thompson said: “We’re passionate about the environment, our people, and the communities that we serve.

“This is why we’re delighted to be supporting PROGRESS21 where our team can meet with potential candidates looking for opportunities to join us.”

The event is being put on in partnership with a number of organisations including the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA), bodies dedicated to marketing and securing development in Manchester and Government departments.