GM Business Growth Hub has announced the full cohort of 24 founder-led businesses selected for ASCEND Scale Up Cohort 3, with the programme officially kicking off at a residential retreat at Mottram Hall in Cheshire.

Now in its third year, ASCEND is GM Business Growth Hub’s flagship programme for ambitious founders across Greater Manchester, offering expert-led workshops, personalised mentoring, peer learning and access to the region’s wider business ecosystem.

The programme is delivered in partnership with KPMG and RBC Brewin Dolphin.

This year’s cohort is the most diverse in the programme’s history. Selected from a competitive application process involving hundreds of businesses from across the city-region, the 24 companies span more than ten industry sectors – from health and life sciences and construction to consumer products, facilities management, education and technology.