From a 13-strong candidate pool, Martin Bryant, Jeremy Coates, David Edmundson-Bird, Shaun Fensom, Tony Foggett and Rachel Tonner have been voted in. Shaun, David and Tony are existing, re-elected members, while Martin, Jeremy and Rachel are new to the council. The six come from a variety of backgrounds, including a leading technology blog, Manchester Metropolitan University, and web development and digital communications agencies. There are 12 places on the council, and members are elected for two years.

Manchester Digital aims to make Manchester a leading global city for digital business, through collaboration between individuals and businesses from all corners of the sector. The council is its governing body, responsible for shaping and guiding Manchester Digital’s activity and policies. These range from creatingrecommended supplier lists for companies seeking digital services, to setting up skills and talent programmes.

Manchester Digital’s future is bright and busy, with an events calendar that includes an audience with Spotify, and conversations with the founder of creative agency AKQA, and the head of digital at Nike. Over the summer the network will increase the amount of business support available to its members, and plans to deliver a number of seminars and services covering employment, IP (exploitation and protection), legal and financial.

Katie Gallagher at Manchester Digital comments: “The creative and digital industries play a critical role in our economic development. Manchester has a fantastic opportunity to become a leading digital city – there is so much talent and passion here.

“Our new councillors bring a diverse set of experiences and skills, which will help us to continue growing and supporting digital innovation across the region. We’re very excited to welcome them.”