Today nominations open for BusinessCloud’s second annual ‘GM Rising Stars of Business’ list – with the initiative now widened to include more high-growth firms.
We’ve again joined forces with GM Business Growth Hub to shine a light on Greater Manchester’s most exciting companies.
Last year the inaugural list was focused upon four key growth sectors. For 2025, it is being extended to include all companies which are harnessing technology for growth or making a name for themselves as leaders in innovation.
The list is open to firms based in Greater Manchester’s 10 local authority areas of Bolton; Bury; Manchester; Oldham; Rochdale; Salford; Stockport; Tameside; Trafford; and Wigan.
The 2025 ‘GM Rising Stars of Business’ list will be published online on BusinessCloud in early April, while a launch event will be held at KPMG’s Manchester office in St Peter’s Square on 1st May 2025 to showcase several of the businesses on the list.
Janine Smith (pictured), director of the GM Business Growth Hub, said: “The GM Rising Stars of Business list was such a success last year we’re delighted to be working with BusinessCloud again in 2025.
“We’ve changed the criteria this year so it’s open to all businesses harnessing tech or leading in innovation, rather than being restricted to certain sectors.
“It’s a real celebration of Greater Manchester’s thriving business community and the list will be followed by a launch event and a series of roundtables.
“We know from our Ascend programme the quality of scaling companies out there and how our bespoke accelerator has helped them scale.”
Companies on the list must be headquartered or have a significant presence in Greater Manchester, and be able to demonstrate how they are using technology to aid their growth; or how they are at the forefront of an innovation.
They may be early-stage, scaling or well-established. Judges will look for ambition and evidence of growth.
You can nominate a business using the form below. The closing date is 26th March 2025.