Join our Innovation networking breakfast to find out how our fully funded Innovation Service can accelerate your innovation journey.
About this Event

Join our Innovation networking breakfast to find out how you can access our Innovation service, including the new GM Innovation Navigator programme and learn how it can help accelerate your innovation projects to commercialisation by connecting you to local innovation specialists, research partners, and funding across Greater Manchester.

Attendees will take away from the session:

· Increase awareness of the Innovation Service

· Potential to work with specialists across Greater Manchester

· Referral to Local Innovation Connector for bespoke support

· Access to financial support

Bio of Deliverers

Mark Tibbenham CEng

Local Innovation Connector – Rochdale

An award-winning Business Leader, Chairman and Entrepreneur

Having owned a manufacturing business in Rochdale, Mark is a proud ambassador and advocate for the region. Over the years he has forged business relationships at the highest levels and developed networks that include local industry, particularly in the manufacturing sector, ties with regional universities and schools as well as sitting on national bodies such as the BSIA.

As a Chairman and Managing Director, Mark is an experienced business leader with an eye for identifying opportunity. He has expert knowledge of P&L, project management and business transformation, along with an impressive record for leading, training and developing teams. Mark is comfortable developing beneficial relationships with stakeholders at all levels, on a global scale and has in-depth experience with all the different aspects of large-scale management, including budgeting, man-management, resource management and performance management/KPIs. He is passionate about innovation and utilising the latest technology, industry trends and best practices to reduce costs, maximise productivity and delivering results. As a strategy developer, his work has been recognised by both President Nelson Mandela for Export and Her Majesty The Queen for Enterprise in the Category of International Trade.

Holly Young

Network Manager – Innovation

Holly joined the GM Business Growth Hub as Network Manager in December 2023, to build impactful referral and support networks for Innovative Greater Manchester Businesses looking to commercialise. She has a Biomedical Sciences Degree from the University of Manchester and a passion for improving talent, work and life in Greater Manchester. She is skilled at programme management and building effective partnerships. Most recently she worked in the innovation team at Bruntwood SciTech to develop a programme of events and networks to support the growth of life sciences businesses at Alderley Park and Manchester Science Park. She previously managed the Transpennine regional contract for the STEM Ambassador hub, working with private sector organisations, charities and education providers to link STEM industry volunteers with young people from schools and community groups across Greater Manchester, West Yorkshire and North Yorkshire, to inspire interest in STEM industries and develop employability skills of young people. Additionally she has experience of working directly in the cultural and higher education sectors.

Eligibility Criteria:

GM based businesses withing Advanced Manufacturing, Health and Life Sciences, Digital and Creative and Net Zero and Other Sectors

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.

For more information on how your data is stored please visit our .