Industry briefing on Greater Manchester’s 2023 Trailblazer Devolution Deal
11am – 12pm23 May 2023
Online
We are delighted to host MIDAS (Greater Manchester's inward investment promotion agency), the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) and Microsoft for a briefing to industry on the Trailblazer Devolution Deal.
Greater Manchester is the UK’s top digital city with a £5.4bn digital economy and the largest regional technology workforce in the UK, 94,000. The city region’s strengths are notable in industry enabling technologies: Cyber, AI, Data, Fintech, Payments and Software. The rich heritage of animation and TV/Film production in the region has enabled huge growth in creative technologies such as Extended Reality (XR/AR/VR), Gaming, Media and Advertising. This digital and tech growth provides huge opportunity for the 116,000 students studying at one of the five universities across the city and is a key reason why over 50% stay in the city region on graduation.
MIDAS is the inward investment promotion agency for Greater Manchester, working to secure new investment projects that are research intensive and bring high value jobs to the city region. The Greater Manchester Trailblazer Devolution Deal was agreed between the Greater Manchester Combined Authority and UK Government in March this year, providing local leaders more control over levelling up activities and influencing economic growth.
Join us to learn what greater devolution could mean for business and technology growth in Greater Manchester.
Matt is leading techUK’s work with members and stakeholders across the UK to increase the Local Digital Capital across the UK’s nation and regions, build communities and to ensure that digital technology plays a key part the post-COVID-19 levelling-up recovery.
Prior to joining techUK, Matt worked for several national education charities and membership bodies to develop their regional partnerships with schools, academy trusts, local authorities, and other stakeholders. He’s also worked with local authority leaders and other stakeholders to engage communities, work with elected members and improve public services.
He holds a BA in Politics from the University of York and an MA in International Relations from the University of Leeds. Away from work he’s a keen football fan and golfer.
If you’d like to find out more about our work in the nations and regions please get in touch with Matt:
Programme Manager, Local Public Services and Nations and Regions, techUK
Ileana Lupsa
Programme Manager, Local Public Services and Nations and Regions, techUK
Ileana Lupsa is the Programme Manager for Local Public Services and Nations and Regions, at techUK.
Ileana studied electronics, telecommunications and IT as an undergraduate, followed by an MSc in engineering and project management at Coventry University.
She refined her programme management expertise through her most recent roles working in the automotive industry.
Ileana is passionate about sustainability and creating a positive impact globally through innovation.
Programme Manager, SME Engagement and Nations & Regions, techUK
Stephanie Barr
Programme Manager, SME Engagement and Nations & Regions, techUK
Stephanie is the Programme Manager for SME Engagement and Nations & Regions at techUK.
Working across the two programmes, Stephanie develops activities to support the growth and development of tech SMEs and engages with members and stakeholders more broadly to help strengthen regional tech economies.
Prior to joining techUK, Stephanie worked for a political events company and as a Senior Caseworker for an MP. She holds an MA (HONS) in Politics from the University of Glasgow.
Outside of work, Stephanie enjoys travelling, climbing and playing squash.
Tracy supports several areas at techUK, including Cyber Exchange, Cyber Security, Defence, Health and Social Care, Local Public Services, Nations and Regions and National Security.
Tracy joined techUK in March 2022, having worked in the education sector for 19 years, covering administration, research project support, IT support and event/training support. My most outstanding achievement has been running three very successful international conferences and over 300 training courses booked all over the globe!
Tracy has a great interest in tech. Gaming and computing have been a big part of her life, and now electric cars are an exciting look at the future. She has warmed to Alexa, even though it can sometimes be sassy!
techUK champions the tech sector throughout the UK. We work with local authorities, devolved government, and local and national policy makers to advocate for the tech sector in strengthening economic growth and resilience. We provide opportunities for our members and local stakeholders to meet, build relationships, and collaborate to drive forward local projects. For more information or to get in touch, please visit our Nations and Regions Hub and click ‘contact us’.
We are thrilled to present highlights from techUK's Nations and Regions programme of work over the past year, showcasing our key achievements, valuable insights, and defining moments. This year has been marked by meaningful discussions, impactful events, and collaborative initiatives—none of which would have been possible without your engagement and support.
The Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Local Government, Shona Robison MSP, has presented her draft Budget to the Scottish Parliament, outlining the Scottish Government’s proposed tax and spending plans for 2025-26.
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Contact the team:
Matt Robinson
Head of Nations and Regions, techUK
Matt Robinson
Head of Nations and Regions, techUK
Matt is techUK’s Head of Nations and Regions.
Matt is leading techUK’s work with members and stakeholders across the UK to increase the Local Digital Capital across the UK’s nation and regions, build communities and to ensure that digital technology plays a key part the post-COVID-19 levelling-up recovery.
Prior to joining techUK, Matt worked for several national education charities and membership bodies to develop their regional partnerships with schools, academy trusts, local authorities, and other stakeholders. He’s also worked with local authority leaders and other stakeholders to engage communities, work with elected members and improve public services.
He holds a BA in Politics from the University of York and an MA in International Relations from the University of Leeds. Away from work he’s a keen football fan and golfer.
If you’d like to find out more about our work in the nations and regions please get in touch with Matt:
Programme Manager, Local Public Services and Nations and Regions, techUK
Ileana Lupsa
Programme Manager, Local Public Services and Nations and Regions, techUK
Ileana Lupsa is the Programme Manager for Local Public Services and Nations and Regions, at techUK.
Ileana studied electronics, telecommunications and IT as an undergraduate, followed by an MSc in engineering and project management at Coventry University.
She refined her programme management expertise through her most recent roles working in the automotive industry.
Ileana is passionate about sustainability and creating a positive impact globally through innovation.
Marie joined Microsoft in June 2022 to lead their work across the Greater Manchester region. Greater Manchester is one of the largest devolved regions in the UK, with a strong mayoral presence and ambitious plans for the future.
Marie works with a cross sector team to support these plans, aligning with the regional priorities, helping to transform public services, and improve outcomes for the citizens of Greater Manchester.
Marie is passionate about social mobility and improving outcomes for all people no matter what their background. In her spare time, she supports a charity which is focused on encouraging girls to consider careers in cyber.
Marie has been working with public sector organisations for almost 25 years supporting them with their digital transformation journeys. Prior to Microsoft she spent 10 years working for Avaya UK leading their Central Government Strategy and before that 15 years working with the education sector.
Marie lives in Stockport with her husband and two young children.
Joe joined MIDAS as Managing Director of MIDAS, Manchester’s Inward Investment Agency in February 2023. Previously, hewas CEO, Marketing Cheshire and Deputy CEO of the Cheshire and Warrington LEP. Joe’s other experience includes serving as Deputy Director, Science, Research and Innovation in the Department for Business, Energy, and Industrial Strategy (BEIS), and prior to that was the Deputy Director in the BEIS / MHCLG Cities and Local Growth Unit. Joe has also worked in the Cabinet Office. Before joining Government, Joe worked in a number of policy roles for think tanks and the third sector.
Matt is leading techUK’s work with members and stakeholders across the UK to increase the Local Digital Capital across the UK’s nation and regions, build communities and to ensure that digital technology plays a key part the post-COVID-19 levelling-up recovery.
Prior to joining techUK, Matt worked for several national education charities and membership bodies to develop their regional partnerships with schools, academy trusts, local authorities, and other stakeholders. He’s also worked with local authority leaders and other stakeholders to engage communities, work with elected members and improve public services.
He holds a BA in Politics from the University of York and an MA in International Relations from the University of Leeds. Away from work he’s a keen football fan and golfer.
If you’d like to find out more about our work in the nations and regions please get in touch with Matt:
Director of Digital, Greater Manchester Combined Authority
Phil leads the digital portfolio at Greater Manchester Combined Authority and is responsible for leading the next chapter in Greater Manchester’s ambition to be recognised as a world-leading digital city region, with an ongoing commitment to taking an open, innovative and connective approach and ‘doing digital differently’.
Other responsibilities include:
Digital city-region growth, digital skills and inclusion and infrastructure
ICT for the GMCA
Positioning Greater Manchester as recognised centre for cyber and digital ethics, trust and security through resilience and economic growth
Phil's career includes ICT strategy and implementation work for Accenture, an MBA from Cambridge University, founding and exiting a SME, and leading the Tameside Council based public sector innovation partnership "iNetwork" over several years.