Agent hosts second annual Good Growth Summit at packed out Manchester Science and Industry Museum

Over 200 public and private sector leaders from across the UK gathered for our 2026 Good Growth Summit at The Museum of Science and Industry in Manchester this week.

The well-timed event landed in the same week of MP Andy Burnham’s first major policy speech, where the likely future Prime Minister shared a similar pledge - to drive ‘good growth’ in every postcode, as part of his historic devolution plan.

Our event, delivered alongside vocL and the North West Business Leadership Team (NWBLT), brings together progressive leaders to explore the key opportunities and challenges shaping the UK's future economy.

Throughout the day, speakers highlighted the importance of collaborative action - including investing in skills, accelerating innovation, supporting communities and driving clean growth to strengthen the UK's long-term competitiveness and unlock long-term economic growth.

The summit featured keynote contributions from industry leaders including Ian Smyth, Chief Executive Officer of SMS, Chris Woodroofe, Managing Director of Manchester Airport, and Ciara Keeling, Chief Operating Officer of Bruntwood SciTech.

The event included closing remarks from the Deputy Leader of the Labour Party, MP Lucy Powell, who praised the clear intentions and ambition in the room, and promised to work with business leaders to drive forward a stronger Britain together.

Opening the summit, our Founder and CEO Paul Corcoran welcomed delegates and reflected on the need for organisations to work together to address some of the most pressing economic and societal challenges facing the UK.

"The conversations we've had demonstrate that there is a genuine appetite right across public and private sectors to work together to create long-term, sustainable growth. The challenges we face are significant, but so too are the opportunities if we continue to collaborate, invest in people and embrace innovation.

"Good growth is about creating an economy that benefits everyone. Bringing together leaders from so many different sectors has shown just how much can be achieved when we share ideas, challenge thinking and focus on the future together."

Discussions focused on how leaders must work together to develop future talent, create opportunity and ensure the benefits of economic growth are felt across communities throughout the UK.

Sessions also explored the role of placemaking, housing, infrastructure and regional investment in supporting thriving communities and attracting long-term investment.

The dedicated good growth programme examined the economic opportunities presented by the UK's transition to a lower-carbon economy, with speakers highlighting the importance of innovation and investment in energy infrastructure to secure future competitiveness.

"The UK has enormous strengths to build on, but real progress will only come through long-term collaboration between industry, government and our education system. Events like this are an important opportunity to bring together the people who can help shape that future.

"The transition to a more innovative, sustainable economy presents huge opportunities for the North West and the UK as a whole. By continuing to invest in skills, technology and clean growth, we can create lasting prosperity for future generations."

Delegates also heard how the North West is uniquely positioned to support the UK's future growth ambitions, building on the region's strengths in advanced manufacturing, clean energy, innovation, research and skills.

"The North West has all the ingredients needed to play a leading role in the UK's future growth story, from world-class businesses and universities to internationally recognised strengths in manufacturing, energy and innovation.

"Today's discussions reinforced the importance of working across sectors to unlock that potential. By continuing to collaborate and invest in our people and places, we can ensure economic growth delivers lasting benefits for communities across the region and beyond."