Manchester, UK – Growth-stage businesses across England’s North West are set to benefit from a new platform aimed at accelerating innovation, investment and collaboration as SCALE Manchester makes its debut on 25 November 2026.
The event, organised by SCALE, will take place at Freight Island, Manchester, bringing together founders, investors, business leaders and ecosystem partners for a full day of networking, expert discussions and investment opportunities designed specifically for companies ready to move beyond the startup phase.
Building on the success of the SCALE EXPO & SUMMIT held in London earlier this year, the Manchester edition seeks to strengthen the region’s fast-growing scaleup ecosystem by connecting ambitious entrepreneurs with the capital, talent, technology and strategic partnerships needed for sustainable growth.
A major focus of the event will be access to investment. Organisers say that while the North West is witnessing increased activity from angel investors and venture capital firms, many founders still struggle to identify the right funding opportunities and business support. SCALE Manchester aims to simplify that process by bringing key decision-makers into one space.
“We know the North of England has never lacked ambition,” said Sam North, Co-founder and CEO of SCALE.
“Founders here build from scratch, back themselves, and refuse to wait for permission. SCALE Manchester exists to match that energy with the right support, connecting founders with new customers, capital, community, talent and technology they need to achieve sustainable growth.”
Among the event’s confirmed partners are Grant Thornton, Innovate UK Business Connect, TechUK, Corporate Traveller, GM Business Growth Hub, FounderCatalyst, Smile IT Solutions, Angel Investment Network and several other organisations supporting business growth across the UK.
The programme will feature keynote conversations, founder-led panel discussions, investor roundtables, speed networking sessions and a live pitch competition where North West entrepreneurs will present their businesses directly to investors.
A dedicated Women Who Scale programme will also spotlight female founders and investors, encouraging greater inclusion and expanding conversations around fundraising and leadership.
Speaking ahead of the event, Bod Buckby, Head of UK Primary Markets (North) at the London Stock Exchange, said events such as SCALE Manchester are essential in connecting high-growth businesses with the networks and capital required to expand successfully.
Similarly, Yvonne Sampson, Director of Enterprise at GM Business Growth Hub, noted that Greater Manchester’s entrepreneurial ecosystem continues to grow stronger, with founders gaining access to more investment opportunities, expert support and tailored business programmes.
The speaker lineup includes notable entrepreneurs and investors such as Martyn Dawes, Founder and former CEO of Coffee Nation; Christiana Stewart Lockhart, Director General of the Enterprise Investment Scheme Association; Sam Cooper-Gray, Chair of The Gender Index and Co-founder of XX Invest; and Andy Gray, Founder of KnownOrigin.io, among several other industry leaders.
SCALE says the event is designed for businesses that have progressed beyond the startup stage and are now focused on expanding revenue, growing teams and entering new markets.
Registration for SCALE Manchester is now open.
Why It Matters
Across the world, scaling businesses—not just launching startups—has become central to economic growth. Platforms such as SCALE Manchester demonstrate how collaboration between entrepreneurs, investors and business support organisations can help promising companies grow faster and create lasting economic impact.
For African entrepreneurs and innovation ecosystems, the model highlights the value of building strong founder communities, improving access to investment, and creating spaces where businesses can connect with mentors, partners and growth capital.
For more information and registration details, visit the official SCALE website.
