The first four speakers have been unveiled for BusinessCloud’s FUEL Manchester 2026 event on October 28th.
Shaun Wane, former England rugby league head coach, will join founders Sam White (Stella Insurance), Laura Earnshaw (myHappymind) and Phil McCabe (Hybrid Solutions Group) on the breakfast panel of the ground-breaking event in Manchester city centre.
FUEL Manchester is an innovative event 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 companies.
The event is supported by GM Business Growth Hub and S&W.
Register for breakfast panel & networking
Rugby league legend Wane, who in January left his role as England head coach after six years in the post, now gives talks about creating a winning mentality in business.
Meanwhile White, Earnshaw and McCabe all featured on our inaugural Founder 250 list this year.
From being raised by an mother who struggled with alcohol to fighting off a sex pest and coming out as gay at the age of 30, White has faced more challenges than most. She is the award-winning CEO of female-focused motor insurance business Stella Insurance, which has offices in Manchester and Australia.
Vicar’s daughter Earnshaw is a former global head of talent and diversity at AstraZeneca and spent 15 years working with global CEOs and universities. Earnshaw realised that children weren’t being taught the same skills in schools so set up myHappymind to deliver the course to schools. In 2023, the company was awarded NHS Innovation Accelerator status in recognition of its social impact, while the business has also achieved B Corp certification and secured investment from LDC in 2025.
Hybrid Solutions Group, led by McCabe, has grown turnover from £2.7 million to a projected £11m in five years. It comprises three operational businesses – Hybrid Asset Solutions, Hybrid Electrical Solutions and Passcomm – and is having a social impact as a founding patron of Salford Youth Zone.
FUEL Manchester 2026 will be chaired by award-winning executive editor Chris Maguire.
Companies interested in joining the cohort for the masterclasses – which span funding, growth planning, people & performance and technology – can express their interest here. There are a total of 25 spaces available.
S&W supports fast-growing businesses and founders helping them disrupt and dominate their sectors, with comprehensive services across accountancy, tax and advisory services. It helps navigate complexities and unlock opportunities across every stage of business with award winning services and advice.