Networked growth: how managers can help unlock the UK’s potential

Andy Burnham, mayor of Greater Manchester, recently shared his compelling vision for the city region with Ann Francke OBE CMgr CCMI, CMI’s chief executive, in an online event hosted by Will Cass CMgr MCMI on behalf of CMI West Midlands & North West. 

Andy painted Greater Manchester as a “networked” region, where a web of dynamic organisations work together to spread growth and prosperity from the buzzing city centre to all of its ten boroughs. 

Andy is a leader who likes to walk the walk. He and Ann were soon showing just how quickly ideas can grow when separate organisations come together.

Driving dynamism

“Many kids in the region can see the skyscrapers in Manchester’s city centre, but can’t see themselves working there,” said Andy. “If CMI can do something to put it in their heart that they could be a manager there one day, that’s a massive thing. This is our next mission – and it would be great to work with you on it.”

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According to Andy, Greater Manchester may find itself in a “fundamentally different position” by the end of the 2030s, thanks in part to pioneering organisations in life sciences, green industries and tech. He believes such clusters can help extend the dynamism already transforming Manchester’s city centre to surrounding towns such as Wigan – improving opportunities for people there and easing the burden on local support services.

“Manchester can be the UK’s demonstrator of continuing growth while allowing people to access jobs and opportunities from that growth,” he said. He then drew a parallel with cities like Austin and Charlotte in the US, which are becoming more prosperous on a tide of innovation and regional pride. 

Access to opportunity

The route to shared growth starts on the ground. Andy set out the thinking behind the Greater Manchester Baccalaureate, a new pathway designed to transform technical education in the city region and give people a practical route into tech-based roles. 

But forward-thinking managers can also do a lot to make prosperous work a reality for more people. For example, Andy is a firm believer in work shadowing. Every week he offers young people the chance to shadow him in his mayoral duties. 

“It’s a chance for a young person to be with me all day, to observe and to ask questions when they want,” he said.