Our Key Account Managers are a dedicated team of advisors that work closely with large enterprises across Greater Manchester. The team primarily focuses on building long-term relationships with larger businesses to understand their unique challenges and provide tailored support to overcome challenges, drive business growth and realise new opportunities.  

GM Business Growth Hub works with businesses of all sizes – but let’s focus on the large organisations that your team supports. What are your highlights to date?   

Over the past few months, our key account management team has engaged with over 100 large companies. I often get asked, "Surely large companies don’t need funded support?" The answer is always, "Yes, of course they do." While large companies have resources and are successful, they understand the need to adapt, innovate, and evolve to meet future objectives. They constantly ask questions like how to address recruitment challenges, whether their teams have the skills to meet future needs, if they have the right technology or how to adapt it, how to become more sustainable, and where future customers will come from. 

Our team has been doing amazing work, supporting businesses in finding answers to these questions. All the companies we work with are national companies with sites in Greater Manchester and have more than 200 employees. 

With our fully funded support across Funding, Innovation, People, Sales and Sustainability, can you tell us some examples of the diverse support has your team provided?   

Absolutely! For example: 

 A construction company that had won some big contracts needed to inform their supply chain on social value. Our Key Account Manager organized workshops with social value experts, helping the company efficiently address this important topic and support future contracts. 

A retail and e-commerce brand aiming for 2043 net zero targets needed help with their Scope 3 emissions. Our Key Account Manager brought in a sustainability expert to advise them on tackling this challenge and achieving their sustainability goals. 

A well-known chemical manufacturer wanted to create a leadership program incorporating their new values. Our leadership and workforce development teams worked closely with them to develop a program that benefits employees now and in the future. 

An accountancy firm looking to expand their customer base in Greater Manchester attended workshops identified by our Key Account Manager. They implemented a robust account management and sales strategy, ensuring existing customer support and developing a sales pipeline for new business. 

A financial investment firm wanted to connect more effectively with other businesses and initiatives in Greater Manchester. Our Key Account Manager introduced them to the Partnership team, leading to successful collaborations and better connections within the GM ecosystem, including local council initiatives and events. 

What is your top tip for Greater Manchester’s large organisations in 2025?  

Collaboration.

Engaging with your business community can be incredibly beneficial. By attending local business events, joining industry associations, and participating in networking groups, you can stay informed about industry trends, find new collaboration opportunities, and build a supportive network of peers.