Free support for Greater Manchester's hospitality sector

Greater Manchester’s food and drink scene is set to receive a huge boost thanks to a new support programme launched by GM Business Growth Hub, offering tailored assistance to small and medium-sized hospitality businesses.

The best thing about it? It’s completely free.

Helping Manchester’s hospitality scene thrive

The programme, designed by hospitality expert and GM Business Growth Hub advisor Dan Hope, kicks off on September 16th, providing crucial resources for local businesses to thrive in a competitive market.

With recent reports highlighting renewed growth in the UK’s hospitality industry, this new initiative comes at a critical time.

Manchester, named one of the world’s best cities for nightlife by Time Out, is home to a vibrant hospitality scene, and the programme aims to help local establishments seize new opportunities despite the challenges of recent years.

How will businesses benefit?

Businesses in Greater Manchester’s food and drink sector, ranging from cafés and restaurants to bars and hotels, will have access to a series of workshops and webinars designed to address their unique challenges.

These sessions cover essential topics such as social media strategies, brand positioning, leadership techniques, and even hands-on food photography workshops with renowned photographer Craig Robertson.

What does this mean for local businesses?

Practical Skills: From learning how to optimise social media campaigns using data-driven strategies to improving visual content with expert-led photography sessions, businesses can gain practical skills that directly impact customer engagement and brand visibility.
Flexibility: With both online and in-person sessions available, the programme is designed to fit around busy schedules, allowing businesses to choose the workshops most relevant to their specific needs.
Expert guidance: Entrepreneurs will have access to industry experts like Dan Hope, who brings firsthand knowledge of the challenges in the sector. This kind of mentorship can be invaluable in helping businesses navigate growth and overcome obstacles.
Tailored support: Whether it’s legal compliance or leadership techniques, the programme allows businesses to “build their own” support plan, making it highly adaptable to their specific goals and challenges.

Real-life impact: GwafuVegan

One business already benefiting from the programme is GwafuVegan, a Manchester-based food delivery service specializing in affordable vegan West African cuisine. Founder Ngwafu Tansie shared her enthusiasm:

“We’ve loved being part of the scene here, but the last few years have been tough with everything going on in the hospitality sector.

“This package from the Hub is exactly what we needed. It’s reassuring to know that someone understands the challenges we face and is offering practical support to help us grow,” she said.

You can check out GwafuVegan’s website by clicking here

How GM Business Growth Hub is helping hospitality

The GM Business Growth Hub’s commitment to supporting the local hospitality industry has already produced impressive results.

With businesses they’ve supported winning over 50 major awards, securing connections with top retailers like Morrisons and Selfridges, and even expanding internationally, the new programme builds on a strong foundation of success.

Yvonne Sampson, Head of Enterprise at GM Business Growth Hub, highlighted the importance of the initiative: “Our region has a proud history of exceptional hospitality.

“We know running a hospitality business today requires more than just passion – it demands strategic insight.

“Our programme is designed to help businesses not just survive, but truly thrive. And the best part? It’s completely free for eligible businesses in Greater Manchester.”

For more information and to express interest in the programme, businesses are encouraged to visit the GM Business Growth Hub’s website by clicking here

Header Image: Dan Hope