By Deb Sullivan, Marketing Executive, GM Business Growth Hub Estimated reading time: 2 mins Date: 20th October 2026
Greater Manchester is home to a thriving Digital, Creative & Tech (DCT) community, with ambitious businesses developing innovative products, creative services and emerging technologies. But as businesses grow, new challenges often emerge, from refining commercial strategies and accessing new markets, to building partnerships, securing investment and navigating technological change.
That's where GM Business Growth Hub's Digital, Creative & Tech team can help.
The team has recently welcomed four new, highly experienced advisors and sector specialists whose combined expertise spans technology, cybersecurity, media, advertising, business development, creative industries and growth strategy. Together, they bring decades of hands-on experience helping businesses overcome barriers, unlock opportunities and achieve sustainable growth.
Supporting Businesses at Every Stage of Growth
Whether you're an early-stage founder shaping your first go-to-market strategy, a creative business looking to develop new partnerships, or a scaling tech company exploring new opportunities, our DCT team offers tailored support designed around your business goals.
For many founders, the biggest challenge isn't having great ideas, it's knowing how to turn them into sustainable commercial success.
David Loader brings extensive experience working with technology businesses, having advised nearly 100 founders and leadership teams, from early-stage startups to publicly listed companies. With a background in sales, recruitment, business development and commercial growth, he understands the practical challenges that businesses face as they scale.
David is particularly passionate about supporting founders and early-stage businesses. By helping leaders identify what's holding them back and creating clear, actionable growth plans, he works closely with businesses to strengthen their commercial activity, refine their direction and build confidence for the next stage of growth.
Opening Doors for Creative Businesses
The creative industries continue to evolve at pace, creating exciting opportunities alongside new challenges.
Hannah Rodger brings more than two decades of experience working with globally recognised organisations including the BBC, Disney, Nickelodeon and Virgin Media. Her career has given her expertise in creative development, intellectual property, partnerships, stakeholder management and bringing ideas to market.
Having worked across both large organisations and fast-moving creative environments, Hannah understands the realities creative businesses face. Whether developing a stronger proposition, identifying routes to market, accessing finance or building valuable industry connections, she is passionate about helping businesses navigate change and uncover new growth opportunities.
Through her experience and extensive network, Hannah helps connect Greater Manchester's creative businesses with the people, organisations and support they need to succeed.
Harnessing Technology to Drive Growth
Technology continues to transform how businesses operate, creating opportunities to become more efficient, innovative and competitive.
Warren Dawkins brings over 15 years of experience across digital, cyber, communications and strategic advisory roles. Having worked across consultancy, branding and digital strategy, he offers a unique perspective gained from both agency and client-side environments.
Warren supports businesses through one-to-one advice, practical workshops and strategic road mapping, helping founders and leadership teams understand how technology can support their ambitions. As part of the Power Up Programme delivery team, he also helps businesses explore digital innovation and emerging technologies to support business growth.
His focus is not only on solving today's challenges but also ensuring businesses are prepared for the opportunities of the future.
Strengthening Connections Across the Tech Ecosystem
Successful businesses rarely grow in isolation. Access to the right networks, partners and opportunities can make a significant difference.
As Sector Development Lead for Digital, Tech and Cyber, Nikki Jackson plays an important role in connecting Greater Manchester's technology ecosystem. Drawing on more than 25 years of experience across media, advertising and technology, she has helped businesses of all sizes develop strategic partnerships, unlock new opportunities and build sustainable growth.
Nikki works closely with businesses, universities, investors, networks and public sector organisations to strengthen collaboration across the region. Her focus is on ensuring businesses can access the support, talent, innovation and connections they need to thrive.
A Team Built Around Business Growth
While each advisor brings their own specialist expertise, they share a common goal - helping Greater Manchester's Digital, Creative & Tech businesses achieve their growth ambitions.
From commercial growth planning and market development to partnership building, innovation support and technology adoption, along with the rest of the DCT team, our new advisors provide practical guidance tailored to the unique needs of each business.
Whatever stage you're at, whether you're building momentum, scaling operations, entering new markets or exploring new opportunities, GM Business Growth Hub's Digital, Creative & Tech team is here to help you take the next step.
Find out how our Digital, Creative & Tech team can support your business and unlock new opportunities for growth here.