A fully funded series of collaborative conversations for the people shaping Manchester’s hospitality scene.
The After Hours Forum is a new initiative designed to support hospitality businesses across Greater Manchester’s Night-Time Economy to build resilience, adapt to change, and thrive.
Rather than traditional workshops or speaker-led sessions, this series creates space for open and honest conversations around the real challenges facing the sector, from managing cash flow and navigating employment law to strengthening team culture, marketing with impact, and exploring the potential of AI.
Each session provides an opportunity to connect with peers, share experiences, and explore practical, sector-specific solutions in a relaxed and informal setting, guided by industry experts.
Developed in partnership with the GMCA Night-time Economy Office, this programme has been shaped by the sector itself.
Earlier this year, we co-hosted a collaborative evening of discussion with Joe Heys, Principal of Culture and Night-time Economy at the GMCA, bringing together hospitality and leisure businesses that operate in the night-time economy from across Greater Manchester. Through facilitated roundtables and open conversations, we heard directly from owners and operators about the real challenges they face, including staffing, compliance, rising costs, marketing, and digitalisation.
This programme is a direct response to those conversations, turning insight into action.
Each session focuses on a specific topic and brings in expert advisors and sector leaders to explore practical solutions and build long-term resilience across the sector.
Who Should Attend?
This series is ideal for hospitality business owners, managers, and senior staff working in the night-time economy who want to:
· Strengthen financial resilience
· Stay ahead of employment law changes
· Build a thriving team culture
· Develop a joined-up marketing strategy
· Explore how AI can boost productivity
Each session offers peer-led learning, practical tools, sector-specific insights, and collaborative discussion, delivered in venues that reflect the energy and creativity of Manchester’s hospitality scene.
Date & Time: 21st October | 6:00PM - 8:00PM
Margins are tight. Costs are rising. This session opens up a conversation around how hospitality businesses can take control of their finances and build resilience. Together, we’ll explore practical ways to manage cash flow, reduce waste, and protect profit, with insights from operators and finance advisors who understand the realities of the sector.
Discussion themes include:
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Forecasting and budgeting techniques that actually work
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Managing rising costs (energy, staffing, suppliers)
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Reducing waste without compromising quality
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Strengthening supplier relationships
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Building contingency plans and identifying financial risks
With:
Justin Crawford, Managing Director, Electriks Ltd
Justin Crawford is a Manchester hospitality leader with a proven track record of turning concepts into city staples. His portfolio includes award-winning neighbourhood venues such as Volta and Electrik; well-loved pubs like The Hillary Step; flagship city projects including The Refuge; and large-format destinations such as Freight Island.
Date & Time: 04th November | 6:00PM - 7:30PM
Employment law is changing fast — and hospitality businesses need to keep up. This session provides an opportunity to discuss the latest updates, share concerns, and explore practical steps to stay compliant while supporting your team. Legal experts and workforce advisors will be on hand to guide the conversation and address your questions.
Discussion themes include:
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Key employment law changes for 2025 and beyond
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Impacts on contracts, rotas, pay, and HR processes
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Holiday pay, zero-hour contracts, and flexible working
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Updating policies and reducing legal risk
With:
David Carmichael, Partner - Employment & HR, Harrison Drury
David joined Harrison Drury in May 2024, bringing over 35 years of employment law expertise to the table. He advises businesses and senior executives on everything from recruitment best practice to dismissal and post-employment restrictions. Known for his pragmatic approach, David supports HR teams and business leaders through day-to-day employee relations and major workforce changes — whether it’s restructuring, relocation, or adapting to new legislation. He also delivers tailored training that empowers clients to lead with confidence. His specialist interests include shareholder disputes, whistleblowing, health and safety employment issues, and trade union relations.
Date & Time: 18th November | 6:00PM - 8:00PM
Great hospitality starts with great people. In a fast-paced, high-pressure sector, your team is your greatest asset. This session will explore how to build a positive workplace culture, lead with confidence, and retain your best staff within the unique demands of the night-time economy. Expect honest conversation, practical ideas, and real-world examples from sector leaders.
Discussion themes include:
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What makes a great hospitality leader today
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Boosting engagement, motivation, and retention
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Conflict resolution and communication in action
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Creating a culture that supports wellbeing and performance
With:
Cassie Ruthven, Sixty Eight People / This Is Catalyst
From pulling pints at 14 to shaping the future of hospitality leadership, Cassie Ruthven has lived and breathed the industry. After gaining hands-on experience in pubs, bars, and clubs, she rose through the ranks at Living Ventures before joining The Alchemist, where her passion for people sparked a shift into mentoring and training. Today, as a Leadership Coach with Catalyst, Cassie works exclusively with hospitality operators — championing everyday excellence and redefining what great leadership looks like across the sector.
Date & Time: 26th January 2026 | 6:00PM - 7:30PM
Marketing in hospitality is about more than just keeping your social media accounts active. This session opens up a conversation around how you develop a cohesive strategy that drives foot traffic, fosters loyalty, and communicates your brand story in a way that truly resonates with your audience. You’ll hear from marketing pros and fellow operators about what’s working, and what’s not.
Discussion themes include:
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Building a simple, effective marketing plan
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Choosing the right channels for your audience
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Using events, partnerships, and community to boost visibility
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Tracking what matters and aligning with business goals
With:
Lucy Noone-Blake
With a career spanning hospitality, communications, and brand experience, Lucy Noone-Blake brings a distinctive perspective on leadership and collaboration. Named one of CODE’s 100 Most Influential Women in Hospitality, she now works with organisations and individuals to help grow their impact.
Date & Time: 04th February 2026 | 6:00PM - 8:00PM
From rota scheduling to customer service, AI is already transforming the way hospitality businesses operate. But where do you start? And how do you make sure it adds value without losing the personal touch? This session will help you cut through the hype and explore practical, low-risk ways to use AI to save time, boost productivity, and improve the guest experience.
AI is already transforming the way hospitality businesses operate. But where do you start? And how do you make sure it adds value without losing the personal touch? This session is a chance to explore real-world applications, share ideas, and see how others are using AI to save time and improve service.
Discussion themes include:
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What AI is (and isn’t) in hospitality
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Identifying areas for efficiency and automation
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Balancing tech with personal service
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Live demos and real-world examples
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Actionable ideas to boost productivity
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Test and evaluate AI tools starting with low-risk, high-impact use cases
Speaker TBC
Eligibility Criteria:
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Hospitality business owners, managers, and senior staff working in the night-time economy based in Greater Manchester.
As this workshop is fully-funded, businesses are subject to funders' eligibility criteria. If your place is confirmed, you will receive an email from us with further details.
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