24 businesses announced as part of Greater Manchester Scale Up Programme

Leading homegrown successes such as Distology, Hip Pop and Vypr have been announced as some of the 24 businesses taking part in GM Business Growth Hub’s scale up programme ASCEND.

GM Business Growth Hub announced this week the selection of 24 business leaders for the second cohort of its ASCEND Scale Up Programme, an exclusive initiative designed to support and accelerate the growth of Greater Manchester’s most promising high-growth businesses.

The ASCEND Scale Up Programme is a personal development initiative tailored to help founders of high-growth businesses across GM scale rapidly and achieve their full potential. Delivered in partnership with KPMG, ASCEND provides a unique combination of expert mentorship, coworking access in Manchester city centre, and valuable industry exposure.

The first cohort of ASCEND focussed on high growth businesses and graduated in June 2025 and included well-known names such as Carrs Pasties and Specscart. This year GM Business Growth Hub invited businesses of any kind to apply for the programme.

“Everything we do at GM Business Growth Hub is about helping businesses become stronger. ASCEND is tailored to support those with high aspirations and large growth goals meet their ambitions. Our first cohort came away from the programme with clients in new international markets, national and international partnerships, significant increases in revenue, exciting new products and services.

They also built lasting relationships and collaborations with each other. I’m really looking forward to what the second cohort can bring to the experience

Janine Smith, Director of GM Business Growth Hub

The second cohort launched on 17th June and run through to March 2026. Over the course of nine months, these entrepreneurs will receive in-depth support designed to propel their businesses to the next level. Each participant will benefit from bespoke guidance, tailored growth strategies, and individualised mentorship to foster business resilience and strategic scaling. They will be immersed in workshops, masterclasses, and networking opportunities that connect them with investors, industry experts, and business leaders.

As part of the programme, founders and their mentors will travel to Web Summit in Lisbon this November, one of the world’s largest tech conferences, offering a unique opportunity to connect with global thought leaders, partners, and potential investors.

The programme will be managed by Kellie Noon, who has supported businesses for the nearly 15 years.

ASCEND is designed to transform Greater Manchester’s high-potential businesses into industry leaders. Like all of GM Business Growth Hub’s support, it’s fully funded with no catch.

Every aspect of the programme is designed to help them achieve their ambitions and contribute to the region’s future growth and innovation. These businesses are thinking big, and I’m very excited to see where this journey takes us.

Kellie Noon, Network Manager for ASCEND

The full cohort of 24 businesses