The future of work isn’t just about technology—it’s about people. With UK employees now averaging 9.4 days off annually due to stress and mental health challenges, businesses can’t afford to ignore wellbeing. Yet only 57% of organisations have a wellbeing strategy in place. For Greater Manchester businesses, this is an opportunity to lead—creating workplaces where people thrive and businesses grow.
At the GM Business Growth Hub, our People Team is here to help you make that happen. To explore how, we spoke with Vickie, Team Leader for Leadership & Social Impact, who shares her insights on what the future workforce really needs — and how local businesses can take the lead.
1. Can you introduce yourself and tell us what you do in the People team?
I lead the Leadership & Social Impact programmes, ensuring they deliver practical, relevant support for Greater Manchester businesses. My role combines strategy and hands-on leadership to help our team create real impact.
2. What support does the People team offer to businesses in Greater Manchester?
We offer three key programmes: Pure Leadership (developing confident, values-driven leaders), Social Impact Series (embedding inclusive, responsible practices), and Mentoring (connecting leaders with experienced mentors). These create space for reflection, learning, and peer support.
3. What are the most common people-related challenges you see businesses facing, and how do they affect growth?
Leaders often struggle with confidence, clarity, and creating inclusive cultures. Many feel isolated. Our programmes help leaders reconnect with purpose, embed responsible practices, and access mentoring for guidance and growth.
4. What makes a workplace extraordinary in terms of culture, leadership, and engagement?
Extraordinary workplaces are built on purpose, trust, and connection—not perks. Leadership clarity sets the tone, culture creates belonging, and engagement thrives when people feel heard and supported.
5. Can you share an example of how our programmes have helped businesses achieve extraordinary results?
SOCIAL IMPACT:
Dunsters Farm
Santosh, the Social Value Manager, along with Director Hannah Barlow, began their journey with us by attending our full suite of social value workshops. Starting from a foundational level, they rapidly developed a deep understanding of how to embed social value into their operations.
The transformation was remarkable:
• They’ve won multiple contracts since engaging with our support.
• Santosh has become a recognized voice, presenting at numerous panels on social value.
• Dunsters Farm received the Purpose-Driven Family Business Award for their outstanding community impact.
• Leadership Excellence Awards were presented to Managing Director Hannah Barlow and Commercial Director Tom Mathew, celebrating their visionary leadership during a period of significant growth.
Barlows UK
Barlows UK also benefited from our Social Value and Tendering workshops. Their team became more proactive in preparing for tenders, integrating social value into their strategy early on. As a result:
• They crafted their strongest-ever social value proposition in a recent tender.
• Their confidence and capability in articulating meaningful impact has grown substantially.
LEADERSHIP:
Tracks & Layers
Following a change in ownership structure, the Director of a growing business reached out to GM Business Growth Hub after attending a Match Event. Seeking clarity on the future direction of the company, he was referred to our Leadership Specialists to help revisit the business’s strategy, vision, and values.
Our Leadership Specialist delivered three tailored in-house sessions with the senior leadership team. These sessions focused on:
• Re-evaluating the company’s Purpose, Vision, and Values
• Aligning leadership around a refreshed strategic direction
• Supporting a brand refresh and the development of a new website
The impact was immediate and energizing. As the Director shared:
“Thanks for coming in to us today and putting on such a fantastic session for us. Everyone was so appreciative of your time and for the content and structure of the session. I think we really needed it as a team and I’m excited about where it will lead us next.”
6. Why is support from the GM Business Growth Hub important for businesses wanting to improve their people practices?
Support from GM Business Growth Hub is practical, local, and tailored. We help leaders build resilient, inclusive teams—not tick boxes—through fully funded programmes that address real challenges.
7. What’s your top piece of advice for business leaders looking to build a stronger, more engaged team?
Make time for reflection and connection. Strong teams grow from intentional leadership and clear values.
Looking Ahead: Building the Future Workforce Together
As Vickie reminds us, extraordinary workplaces aren’t built overnight — they’re shaped by leaders who care and teams who keep learning. The future workforce will thrive when wellbeing, leadership, and inclusion become part of everyday business, not just a goal on paper.
Ready to build an extraordinary workplace? Contact our People Team today and start your journey.
Get in touch
Please contact us at 0161 3593050 or query below.
Take that first step and we’ll support you with whatever you need to succeed.
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