Our latest Chair's Reception, sponsored by Slalom, took place at the National Football Museum and provided Manchester’s senior tech figures the chance to network with like-minded peers whilst discussing the topics that matter most to the sector’s growth and development.
These discussions help to inform the strategy, direction and outputs that Manchester Digital then deliver on behalf of the industry.
This time around attendees discussed coronavirus, diversity and inclusion and digital transformation.
Before the event got underway, there was also an introductory talk from Sarah Denton, Network Coordinator for the Cyber Resilience Centre for Greater Manchester (CRC), a joint venture between Greater Manchester Police and Manchester Digital.
The centre will provide advice and support regarding cybersecurity and protecting a business against cybercrime – with experts on hand to support visitors through all levels of the journey, whether it be protection against an attack, or support when an attack has already taken place.
Find out more here.
Paul Squire, Managing Director of Slalom Manchester also addressed attendees.
Coronavirus
With over 17,000 confirmed cases around the world, it’s safe to say that Coronavirus was a hot topic on the night. Especially as many of the issues thrown up by the pandemic are unprecedented.
Most businesses at The Chair’s Reception have had internal discussions regarding continuity planning in the face of the unknown. Main talking points revolved around supply chain management, international travel, resourcing, the logistics of self-quarantined staff and employee safeguarding and wellbeing.
From this discussion it was clear that whilst the outcome of coronavirus may be uncertain the necessity of planning and mitigation was not.
Diversity and inclusion
Manchester Digital, through its Talent and Skills initiatives, is committed to encouraging greater levels of workplace diversity and inclusion throughout the region.
For that reason we were delighted to hear such commitment to advancing an increased diversity and inclusion agenda.
A key topic of conversation was whether after work pub culture prohibited progression and whether working a four-day week limited a candidates chances for promotion. If you would like to support Manchester Digital’s GMCA-backed Digital Futures programme, your business could help to encourage young people from non-traditional backgrounds to enter our industry.Digital Transformation
The discussion found that many of Manchester’s large businesses are currently undergoing large-scale digital transformation.
Key areas of focus include integrating digital technology into
Customer experience
Operational agility
Culture and leadership
Workforce enablement
Digital technology integration
For anyone interested in finding out more about Digital Transformation, take a look at this article The Key Pillars of Digital Transformation from 60 Innovations.
Get involved
If you would like to be invited to the next Chair's Reception event, members in our large and corporate tier can ask to be put on the invitation list by contacting shivani@manchesterdigital.com. Non-member, can find out more about membership benefits by downloading our latest membership brochure.
