Today we can reveal the experts for our growth masterclasses at FUEL Manchester 2026 on Wednesday 28th October.
An array of high-profile founders and ecosystem figures will pass on valuable one-to-one advice to 25+ promising companies in a series of sessions covering funding, growth planning, people & performance, and AI & technology.
Founders keen to take part in these free ask-me-anything sessions – which are off the record – can email events@businesscloud.co.uk to register their interest. You can see the experts and potential areas for discussion further down.
Sponsored by GM Business Growth Hub – with support from Bruntwood SciTech – the sessions will follow a traditional breakfast panel where several founders will share their advice for growth.
Anyone can register to attend the breakfast panel and networking event – sponsored by S&W – using the button below. We recently revealed our line-up of speakers for this panel.
Register for breakfast panel & networking
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 three experts are Phil McCabe, founder & MD, Hybrid Solutions Group; Jenna Livesey, founder, Hello Sunny; and Andy Mather, enterprise delivery manager, GM Business Growth Hub.
People & performance
This masterclass will offer tips for recruitment, retention & performance in your growing company; and offer advice for boosting diversity & inclusion.
The three experts here are Sam White, founder & CEO, Stella Insurance; Derrick Watson, partner, Equitas Partners; and Dawn Duggan, head of programmes & initiatives, GM Business Growth Hub.
AI & technology
Growing companies face challenges around scaling their technology – and tech talent – alongside the business. This masterclass will offer advice around this as well as harnessing the power of AI and integrating third-party technology.
The three experts here are Gary Higham, CTO, Zuto; Andy Nicol, MD, Sputnik Digital; and Fergal O’Connor, founder & CEO, Buymedia.
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 experts passing on their knowledge and experience will be Ranvir Singh, investment manager, GC Angels; and Ian Dixon, head of access to finance, GM Business Growth Hub. A founder with experience of raising investment will be confirmed shortly.