The Engine Room of the North

A Manchester network for people working in technology, science and the creative industries: events, introductions and membership. Part of the British Global Talent Council.

Join The Movement

The Manchester Mission

To catalyse innovation by connecting the core pillars of Manchester's dynamic, world-class economy.

Tech & AI Unicorns

Fostering the next generation of billion-dollar tech companies by connecting founders, talent, and capital in one of Europe's fastest-growing tech hubs.

Media & Creative Powerhouse

Championing the creative sector, from global media giants at MediaCityUK to independent design studios, making Manchester a world-class cultural hub.

Advanced Materials & Science

Connecting world-leading researchers in fields like graphene and advanced materials with industry to drive real-world commercial applications.

Manchester's tech scene in one minute

A short film from the British Global Talent Council on the city's AI, cyber security and research events, recorded in September 2026.

Manchester A–Z

The local words you hear in your first months in Manchester, explained in plain English.

All 15 terms in Manchester A–Z →

On in Manchester

Events in the city chosen for our members. Dates, programmes and booking are on the official sites of the organisers.

University of Manchester Innovation Festival 2026
Tech & AI

University of Manchester Innovation Festival 2026

Five days of talks, showcases and demo days from the University of Manchester, including an AI Innovation Cafe, a Venture Builder Demo Day and the Cambridge x Manchester Innovation Summit.

Manchester Literature Festival 2026
Creative Industries

Manchester Literature Festival 2026

Seventeen days of readings and conversations across the city, from Central Library to the John Rylands, with guests including Maggie O'Farrell, Patrick Radden Keefe and Elif Shafak.

Manchester Animation Festival 2026
Creative Industries

Manchester Animation Festival 2026

The UK's biggest animation festival at HOME: screenings of international and British animation, masterclasses and industry networking.

Member guides

Reading Manchester through its architecture
Guide

Reading Manchester through its architecture

From the neo-Gothic Town Hall to the industrial canals of Castlefield: how to see the city as a built story.

How the North is building a unicorn city
Guide

How the North is building a unicorn city

From MediaCity to graphene: whether Manchester has assembled the ingredients of a genuine tech ecosystem.

A cultural weekend in Manchester
Guide

A cultural weekend in Manchester

Two well-planned days of art, music, architecture and food, built around real landmarks.

Literary Manchester
Guide

Literary Manchester

Independent bookshops, historic libraries and reading rooms worth the walk.

The museums and galleries that matter
Guide

The museums and galleries that matter

What to see, when to go and which rooms reward a second visit.

The Manchester theatre scene
Guide

The Manchester theatre scene

Producing houses, studio spaces and the companies that make Manchester worth a theatre night.

Manchester parks and green spaces
Guide

Manchester parks and green spaces

Where Manchester goes outdoors: the parks worth crossing town for and when each is at its best.

Markets and food culture in Manchester
Guide

Markets and food culture in Manchester

The markets, food halls and independent streets that show how Manchester really eats.

Historic pubs of Manchester
Guide

Historic pubs of Manchester

Old rooms with real history: the Manchester pubs where the building is part of the story.

Free things to do in Manchester
Guide

Free things to do in Manchester

A city's character is often in what it gives away: the best of Manchester at no cost.

Day trips from Manchester
Guide

Day trips from Manchester

Where to go when you have a day and want it to count: real destinations within reach of Manchester.

Join the Northern Vanguard

Innovator

£180/year

For the creators, developers, and researchers driving the North's technological and scientific future.

  • Invitations to member events
  • Discounted tickets where organisers offer them
  • Community newsletter
Become an Innovator

Leader

£420/year

For founders, executives, and investors at the helm of the Northern Powerhouse.

  • All Innovator benefits
  • Free entry to member events
  • Invitations to leaders' roundtables as they are held
  • Introductions to other members
Become a Leader

Patron

Contact Us

For corporations and individuals invested in accelerating the growth and global impact of Manchester.

  • All Leader benefits
  • Company branding at events
  • Opportunity to co-host events
  • Strategic introductions
Inquire About Patronage

Our Partners & Supporters

Frequently Asked Questions

Not at all. Our core philosophy is "creative collision". We bring together leaders from technology, creative media, advanced science, and business to spark innovation that can only happen at the intersection of disciplines.

We cover the creative and media sector around MediaCityUK in our guides and highlight events there for our members. Broadcasters, agencies and organisers who would like the Society's support for an event are welcome to get in touch.

We cater to the full spectrum of innovators. Our "Innovator" membership is perfect for talented professionals and researchers, while the "Leader" tier is designed for founders, C-suite executives, and investors who are actively shaping the direction of their industries.

Become a Part of the Movement

Join a vibrant community of innovators, artists, and professionals. Request an invitation for updates on exclusive events and opportunities.