Celebrating three years of transforming ambition into impact
- Monday, September 7, 2026
- Posted By The Growth Company
The Growth Company (GC) has published its Corporate Plan 2023-26 Highlights Report, celebrating three years of delivery, innovation and growth that have created lasting impact for people, businesses and places across Greater Manchester and beyond.
The report tells the story behind the statistics, showcasing how GC has turned ambition into action during a period marked by significant economic change and growing demand for support.
Over the last three years, we have:
From helping entrepreneurs secure investment and manufacturers embrace digital innovation, to supporting people into work and attracting new investment into Greater Manchester, the report highlights the breadth of GC's contribution to inclusive and sustainable growth.
"Every statistic tells a story. Behind every business supported, every individual helped into work and every place transformed are people whose lives have been changed for the better. I’m proud of the difference the Growth Company makes to communities across Greater Manchester and beyond, thanks to the dedication of our colleagues and partners. This gives us a strong foundation to build on as we head through the next few years.”
The report reveals how GC has strengthened Greater Manchester's position as a leading place to invest and do business, securing 188 inward investment projects, and generating an estimated £291m economic impact through campaigns and conferences. Across Greater Manchester and beyond, we’ve helped businesses secure £157m in loans, investment and grant funding, and supported more than 32,000 start-ups begin their journey.
It also highlights our role in helping people thrive, whether through apprenticeships, employment support, youth programmes or skills development. Over the three-year period, GC supported more than 24,500 people into work, delivered 2,480 apprenticeship starts, and helped thousands of young people access education, employment and opportunity.
Behind every figure is a story of growth, resilience and opportunity.
Stories like Financielle, a female-founded fintech business scaling through GC Angels investment, businesses such as Firstplay Dietary Foods expanding into international markets with tailored support, and individuals like Karina Harney, who retrained through an apprenticeship and went on to become an award-winning construction apprentice.
And behind every outcome is a strong organisation.
As a social enterprise, creating social value is embedded in how we operate. Investment in inclusive recruitment, responsible procurement, digital capability, sustainability, colleague experience and organisational resilience have created strong foundations as we work towards our goal: to be a globally respected leader in delivering inclusive, sustainable growth for people, businesses and communities.