A new programme to bolster Greater Manchester’s hospitality industry has been launched by our GM Business Growth Hub to help local businesses.
It's been designed by the Hub’s new advisor, industry expert Dan Hope and offers targeted assistance to help food and drink businesses thrive in a competitive market.
The launch comes alongside a new report released last month, which revealed that Britain’s hospitality sector had recorded its first quarterly growth in outlets in two years – signalling renewed confidence and opportunity for the industry despite recent challenges.
Greater Manchester's hospitality sector is vital to the local economy – it contributes £9 billion annually and employs around 110,000 people across restaurants, cafes, and bars.
About the programme
The Hub has introduced the flexible package of webinars and workshops, all at no cost, tailored to the diverse needs of the region’s hospitality businesses – ranging from restaurants, pubs and bars to hotels and food stalls.
Starting on 16th September, the programme features a mix of online and in-person sessions, covering essential topics such as data-driven social media strategies, hands-on food photography workshops with renowned photographer Craig Robertson, brand positioning, and leadership techniques.
These sessions are designed to be as flexible as possible, allowing businesses to pick and choose the topics most relevant to their needs.
About the launch of the programme , Dan Hope, GM Business Growth Hub Hospitality Advisor, said:
“I know first hand how hard it can be to build a successful business in this environment. But with the recent signs of growth in our industry, now is the perfect time to invest in your business. This support covers everything you need right now, and we’re really excited to get started.
“The beauty of this programme is that it’s a 'build-your-own' support system. Whether you're a café, restaurant, bar, or hotel, you can tailor the support to fit your business and your team. It's open to small and medium-sized businesses in Greater Manchester, with one or more employees, operating in the food and drink industry.
A business that has already signed up is Manchester based GwafuVegan, which specialises in cooking and delivering affordable vegan West African food.
Founder and chef at GwafuVegan, Ngwafu Tansie, said:
“We’ve loved being part of the scene here. But the last few years have been hard with the current state of hospitality and beyond.
“I’d been looking to see what support we could get, and this package from the Hub is just what we needed. It’s nice to know that someone out there gets you, is out to help you and make you feel less alone running a growing business."
Reflecting on the launch, Yvonne Sampson, Head of Enterprise at GM Business Growth Hub, told us:
“Our region has a proud history of exceptional hospitality. Despite the challenges, the future is looking brighter for the sector, and our new support programme is designed to help businesses seize these opportunities.
“We’ve built this programme from the ground up to provide actionable support that businesses can implement right away. We know running a hospitality business today requires more than just passion - it demands a strategic understanding of everything from branding to legal compliance.
“This programme provides the tools needed to not just survive, but to truly thrive. And the best part? It’s completely free for eligible businesses in Greater Manchester.”
You can read more about the Food and Drink Hospitality Support programme here.