Driven by strong community support, innovative accelerator programmes, and a rich talent pool, Greater Manchester has always been at the forefront of development in the UK’s digital, creative, and technology (DCT) sector. In a recent interview, Ian Dixon and Hoi Mach, Business Advisors from the GM Business Growth Hub, shared their insights on the region’s unique advantages and ongoing opportunities for growth. 

Hi Ian and Hoi, you are the Digital, Creative, and Technology experts at the GM Business Growth Hub. Please share your background, including your industry experiences and reasons for becoming a business advisor. 

With so many years of experience in the DCT sector, could you share some interesting stories? What are the key insights in the story? 

Ian Dixon: Certainly! One noteworthy story comes from my experience working with a startup called YouConvey. They approached us with the idea of becoming the most affordable conveyancer in the market, aiming to help people buy and sell homes at a lower cost. We encouraged the founder, Eddie, to conduct interviews with potential customers to gain a better understanding of their needs. The feedback he received was surprising: people were not primarily interested in saving money on conveyancing. Instead, they wanted a smooth and quick process and wished to be more involved in the transaction. This insight led us to pivot the business model from focusing on being the cheapest to offering a high-quality concierge service. It is crucial for a business to understand your customers’ true needs and be willing to adapt your approach based on their feedback. 

Hoi Mach: My overarching story stems from my experience running a digital marketing business. Many small to medium-sized enterprises sought my help because they needed leads and sales, but were unsure how to achieve them. They faced a dilemma: they could either spend a significant portion of their limited budget on an external agency or attempt to manage digital marketing in-house, often without the necessary expertise. I collaborated with these businesses to help them navigate this challenge, providing practical support and strategies to generate leads effectively. With accessible tailored support, there is a high chance of enhancing SMEs' ability to grow and succeed. 

What are your main observations regarding the DCT sector in Greater Manchester? Compared to London, are there any advantages? What are the major challenges faced by this sector here? 

Ian Dixon: My main observation about the digital, creative, and technology (DCT) sector in Greater Manchester is that it is incredibly vibrant and growing rapidly. The city fosters a strong sense of community and collaboration, which is a significant advantage. We are well-connected, both within the UK and globally, and we have excellent infrastructure and support systems, including accelerator programmes and partnerships with Greater Manchester universities. 

One of our key advantages over London is affordability. The cost of living and operating a business here is lower, making it appealing for startups and small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). However, one of the major challenges we face is raising awareness of the capabilities and opportunities available in Greater Manchester. We need to showcase our talent and resources better to attract more businesses and investments. 

Hoi Mach: I agree with Ian. The Digital, Creative, and Technology (DCT) sector in Greater Manchester is thriving, showcasing a lot of innovation and talent. One of our biggest advantages over London is cost-effectiveness. Living and working here is more affordable, which is very appealing for businesses looking to manage their budgets efficiently. Additionally, the sense of community and support in this area is fantastic. 

However, we do face challenges, particularly regarding visibility and recognition. Many people still view London as the primary hub for DCT, and we need to work on changing that perception. Another challenge is keeping up with the fast-paced changes in the industry, which requires continuous investment in infrastructure and skills development. 

What kind of support do the GM Business Growth Hub offer to businesses? What role do you play in assisting businesses in the DCT sector? 

Ian Dixon: The GM Business Growth Hub provides extensive support to all manner of businesses, and we focus on those in the digital, creative, and technology (DCT) sectors. We offer access to accelerator programmes, workshops, and personalised mentoring sessions. Our mission is to help businesses identify growth opportunities, solve challenges, and connect with the appropriate resources and networks. 

As a business advisor, my role is to act as a supportive mentor and guide. I collaborate closely with businesses to understand their challenges and opportunities, using tools such as the Lean Canvas and value proposition canvases to customize our support. Additionally, I assist them in navigating industry complexities and exploring new business models and revenue streams. 

Hoi Mach: At the GM Business Growth Hub we provide comprehensive support to businesses, including access to funding, expert advice, and networking opportunities. We offer a variety of workshops and programmes tailored to assist businesses at different stages of their growth journey. In my role I provide practical hands-on support, particularly in digital marketing and conversion rate optimisation. 

I focus on understanding the personal experiences of business owners and their unique challenges. By leveraging my expertise in digital marketing, I help businesses create effective strategies to generate leads and enhance their online presence. Additionally, I serve as a sounding board, offering guidance and support to help them navigate the challenges of running a business. 

Lastly, what is your top piece of advice for businesses in the DCT sector in Greater Manchester? 

Ian Dixon: My top advice for businesses in the DCT sector in Greater Manchester is to engage closely with your customers and potential customers and users. Take the time to understand their needs, motivations, and challenges in depth. Your customers are key to your success, so actively seek their feedback and be willing to adapt based on what you learn. This customer-centric approach will help you develop a product or service that truly resonates with the market and drives growth. 

Hoi Mach: The most important advice I can give is to continuously evolve and adapt. The DCT sector is fast-paced and constantly changing, so it is essential to remain flexible and open to new opportunities. Stay updated on industry trends, invest in your skills and infrastructure, and be willing to pivot when necessary. By staying ahead of the curve and being adaptable, you will be better positioned to thrive in this dynamic environment. 

Are you looking for expert advice for your business? Just leave your information below, and Ian and Hoi will contact you to discuss a business plan to help you realise your ambitions.