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Written by Tanya Arturi, Digital, Cyber and Tech Sector Development Lead

I met with a dynamic group of Greater Manchester's tech entrepreneurs and scale-up founders gathered at the newly opened Campfield campus to talk talent, tech, and the future of work. 


Hosted by Chris Maguire from BusinessCloud and GM Business Growth Hub, the discussion was as energised as the setting. From mobile barbers to AI-powered customer service and storytelling platforms, everyone around the table brought their insights and lived experiences to the challenges and opportunities facing the sector today.

What they had to say:

1. Multi-Generational Workforces Are Here to Stay 

With Gen Alpha on the horizon, leaders are grappling with how to unite five generations in the workplace. There was candid discussion about values, work ethics, and expectations. The consensus? There is no one-size-fits-all. Employers need to balance experience and energy while recognising that motivation looks different across age groups.


2. There are still Skills Gaps and Recruitment Woes 

Almost every founder had a story to share about hiring mishaps or skills shortages - especially in dev roles. From AI-generated code tests to fake portfolios, the message was clear: robust hiring processes and ongoing upskilling are critical to building resilient tech teams.


3. Don’t forget about Tech for Good and Purpose-Driven Growth 

Companies like MolMart and Featherbed Tales are blending innovation with impact. Whether helping aspiring parents understand genetic risk or creating digital storybooks for children in hospices, these businesses are leading the way in making tech human-centered.


4. AI Is Reshaping Everything 

AI's rise isn't future talk - it's now. Leaders from sectors like video tech and customer service automation are already reducing human headcount or radically redefining roles. But as one founder put it, "AI won't replace jobs. People who use AI will replace people who don't."


5. Funding and Scaling Still Hard Work 

Raising investment remains tough, especially for pre-revenue or impact-driven businesses. Several founders shared their bootstrapping journeys and lessons from funding rounds. Investor education about alternative business models and long-term value creation were flagged as a gap.

Why It Matters 


The Tech Sector is one of Greater Manchester's key growth priorities. Through forums like these, the GM Business Growth Hub aims to ensure local businesses get tailored, expert support on everything from leadership development to access to finance and entering new markets.


Whether you're building AI tools, scaling digital platforms, or developing purpose-led software, there is a growing community in Greater Manchester that is bold, resilient, and ready to shape the future.

Need expert help to grow? 

We offer fully funded support to tech, digital and creative businesses based in Greater Manchester. In addition, we provide dedicated Skills Support and comprehensive Funding & Investment support.

Find out more:

Digital Creative & Tech | GM Business Growth Hub

Skills Development | GM Business Growth Hub

Funding for Growth Workshops | GM Business Growth Hub

Get in touch

Please contact us at 0161 3593050 or query below.

Take that first step and we’ll support you with whatever you need to succeed.

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