About Us

Manchester Digital is the independent, not-for-profit organisation powering Greater Manchester’s tech sector.

Owned and shaped by our members, we exist to strengthen the region’s digital economy. Every pound we generate is reinvested into programmes that build long-term capability across the ecosystem.

We support tech businesses of every stage and size, from startups entering the market, to scaleups accelerating growth, to established and global companies investing in the region.

We do more than connect people.
We build infrastructure for growth.

Our work includes:

• Developing talent pipelines through apprenticeships and workforce programmes
• Supporting startup and scaleup growth
• Convening sector leaders and decision-makers across the tech ecosystem
• Championing leadership and diversity
• Influencing policy at regional and national level
• Creating platforms for collaboration, visibility and investment

Since 2001, we have worked alongside the businesses building Greater Manchester’s tech economy. Our role is simple: remove barriers, strengthen capability and ensure the region remains competitive nationally and internationally.

Why Manchester Digital?

Manchester Digital exists for one reason - to strengthen the environment in which tech businesses start, scale and succeed.

We are independent and member-owned, acting solely in the interests of the sector.

For startups, we reduce friction - connecting you to talent, partners, visibility and the wider ecosystem.

For scaleups, we help you accelerate - opening access to talent pipelines, peer networks and strategic conversations that support sustainable growth.

For established tech businesses and corporates, we provide strategic convening, leadership forums and a direct route into regional and national policy discussions.

We are not just a network.
We are part of the infrastructure behind Greater Manchester’s digital economy.

If you are building a tech business here -at any stage - this is your organisation.

Independent. Member-owned. Not-for-profit. Sector-led.

Influence & Representation

We provide a collective voice for the Greater Manchester tech sector.

Through direct engagement with regional and national government, consultation responses and strategic roundtables, we ensure that policy, funding decisions and skills strategies reflect the realities of building and scaling tech companies in the region.

From startup founders to scaleup leaders and established tech firms, we translate sector priorities into informed influence.

Growth and Ecosystem Development

We support tech startups, scaleups and established digital businesses across Greater Manchester.

Our programmes strengthen the wider tech ecosystem by providing visibility, collaboration opportunities and access to strategic networks. Whether launching a startup in Manchester, scaling a technology company or expanding an established digital business, we connect you to the infrastructure that enables sustainable growth.

Our long-term goal is clear: to strengthen Greater Manchester as one of the UK’s leading tech hubs.

Talent and Workforce Development

Access to skilled talent is the biggest constraint on growth in the Manchester tech sector.

We build structured talent pipelines through digital and tech apprenticeships in Greater Manchester, student placements and workforce development initiatives. Programmes such as the Digital Skills Festival connect employers with emerging and experienced tech talent across the region.

Our focus is practical: helping businesses hire, develop and retain the people they need to scale.

Convening and Collaborating

We design targeted forums for the people shaping Greater Manchester’s digital economy.

From curated e-commerce leadership dinners and fintech roundtables to emerging tech workshops and flagship conferences in Manchester, our convening is focused, practical and sector-led.

These forums bring together founders, CTOs, marketing leaders and talent professionals to share insight, explore new technologies and build strategic partnerships across the regional tech ecosystem.