Raising the bar of the modern workplace

Chris Maguire has been a journalist for more than 30 years, with more than half his career spent working as an editor within regional and national press. Since 2012 he has specialised in business and hosted more than 700 events. Alongside running his own PR company – iMeg Partnership – he is the Executive Editor of technology publications TechBlast and BusinessCloud.

Lucy joined Autocab as Head of Culture in September 2020, having previously held positions at WeWork and All Work & Social.  She was also a winner of the ‘Business Culture Ambassador of the Year’ award in the UK Company Culture Awards 2022.

Wayne Bennett is a Founder and Director of Made4Tech Global, a technology recruitment consultancy specialising in recruiting professionals within the Technology, Business Change & Transformation markets. Worked in recruitment for nearly 30 years, his experience in the industry encompasses, Marketing, Finance and Technology (23 years) discipline.

Recruiting within the Technology space, Wayne has witnessed the change within the industry, encouraging him to advocate for female and diverse leadership and advise businesses on effective inclusion strategies in his role. Wayne has worked with organisations ranging from major corporates, SMEs, and technology-led start-ups, giving him exposure to placing professionals in positions ranging from senior management to “hands on” technical roles.

Will is a founding director of OBI and advises landlords and occupiers in office consultancy. He’s been involved in some of Manchester’s biggest deals and has a strong track record for delivering successful business relocations.

Digital product business Apadmi was launched in 2009 and creates technology for brands such as Co-op, Chelsea FC, Domino’s and the NHS.  The company recently took its first step in its international expansion plans with the opening of a new hub in the Netherlands. Laura joined from Travel Counsellors.

North West-headquartered Travel Counsellors was launched in 1994 and supports more than 2,000 independent travel advisors to provide personalised corporate or holiday services to customers. Sarah joined the Manchester business in 2015 and oversees talent acquisition.

Ian co-founded tech software business Naimuri in 2015 with a mission to ‘make the UK a safer and better place to be’. Since Naimuri’s acquisition by global defence tech specialist Qinetiq in 2020 for £25m, Ian’s focus is on the continued recruitment of talented people.