Today we can reveal our full line-up of experts for the growth masterclasses at FUEL Manchester 2025 on 9th October.
The innovative event was created to fuel business growth for promising startups and scaleups.
It’s two events in one, beginning with a whistle-stop discussion of some of the big questions facing businesses and finishing with a series of exclusive, invite-only masterclasses for a cohort of exciting startups.
Supported by GM Business Growth Hub, Bruntwood SciTech and S&W, FUEL Manchester 2025 takes place at No.1 Circle Square, Oxford Road, Manchester.
More than 120 people have already registered for the initial breakfast panel and networking event after we revealed our full line-up of speakers. There are still 30 places available.
Register for breakfast panel & networking
Now we can reveal the experts who, following the breakfast event, will pass on face-to-face advice to our cohort of 25+ startups and scaleups in masterclass pods across funding, growth planning, people & performance and technology.
These are ask-me-anything sessions – off the record – but areas that will be covered can be found below, along with the speakers. If you feel you would benefit from these masterclasses and have growth potential, drop the editor jonathan.symcox@businesscloud.co.uk an email before the end of September explaining why.
Raising funding
This masterclass will cover topics including how to become investment-ready; the different types of funding available; and the key to identifying – & working with – the right investors.
The four experts passing on their knowledge and experience will be Louise Chapman, investment director, Praetura Ventures; Ryan Sorby, partner and head of North, Palatine Growth Credit; Ranvir Singh, investment manager, GC Angels, GM Business Growth Hub; and Rob Beale, CEO & founder, lupto.
Growth planning
How do you go about building an exit plan? This masterclass, which covers the transition phase from startup to scaleup, will also consider how to plan for future workspace needs.
The four experts are Hayley Roberts, CEO, Distology; Gary Fenemore, tax director, S&W; Tanya Arturi, digital, tech & cyber development lead, GM Business Growth Hub; and Jack Maher, head of flexible workspace, Bruntwood SciTech.
People & performance
This pod will offer tips for recruitment, retention & performance in your growing company; and offer advice for boosting diversity & inclusion.
The three experts here are Zoe Glennen, senior operating director, Michael Page Technology; Derrick Watson, partner, Equitas Partners; and Nick Robinson, executive coach & author.
Technology
Growing companies face challenges around scaling their technology – and tech talent – alongside the business. The technology pod will offer advice around this as well as harnessing the power of AI in all areas of your business, and integrating third-party technology.
The three experts for this pod are Gary Higham, CTO, Zuto; Andy Nicol, MD, Sputnik Digital; and Billy Gilchrist, business innovation advisor/GenAI expert, Hopwood Hall College.
FUEL Manchester 2025 will be chaired by award-winning executive editor Chris Maguire.