RISE

Some conferences are measured by the number of delegates they attract or the calibre of their speakers. Others are remembered for something much harder to quantify—the conversations that continue long after everyone has gone home. That is what RISE 2026 was all about. Held at the iconic Midland Hotel, Manchester, RISE 2026 brought together founders, senior leaders, educators, entrepreneurs, policymakers, innovators and emerging leaders for a day dedicated not simply to discussing the future, but to shaping it. Every conversation, every panel and every introduction was designed with purpose, creating an environment where ideas could flourish, partnerships could begin and opportunities…

There are partnerships that sit alongside an event, and then there are those that quietly but powerfully shape what that event can become, influencing not just the conversations in the room but the opportunities that emerge from it. It is in that spirit that we welcome the GM Chamber of Commerce as an esteemed partner for RISE 2026, a collaboration that feels both intentional and necessary at this stage of the journey. Greater Manchester has long been a region defined by enterprise, resilience and reinvention, yet its future, like that of many economic centres, depends on how effectively it brings…

There is something quietly unsettling about the way artificial intelligence has entered our lives. Not with a single defining moment, but through a series of small shifts that have slowly changed how we work, decide, create, and even think. It is already influencing who gets seen, who gets selected, what gets prioritised, and how opportunities are shaped. And yet, for many, it still feels like something happening at a distance. Technical. Complex. Not quite theirs to engage with. And that is where the real tension sits. Because the question is not whether AI matters. It already does. The question is…

We are proud to welcome Slater Heelis as a key sponsor for RISE 2026 — and it’s not a token partnership. Their story and values echo much of what RISE stands for.  A Firm With Deep Roots and Modern Values  Slater Heelis is a full-service law firm with more than 250 years of history, serving clients across the UK and internationally from its North West base.  Over those centuries, they’ve evolved with the communities they serve — working with businesses, families, and organisations on everything from commercial and employment law to family matters, real estate, and dispute resolution.  But what really connects Slater Heelis with RISE isn’t just longevity. It’s how they show up.  A Track Record of Inclusion and Social Impact …

Sponsored by Applehead Media We are delighted to welcome Applehead Media as the official sponsor of Voices of RISE, a live, broadcast-quality video podcast series recorded at RISE 2026. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aOtlYCMGY5k Hosted by Nicola Sands, co-founder of Applehead Media and winner of the She Inspires Person with a Mission Award 2025, Voices of RISE is a powerful example of purpose-led partnership and giving back to the community that helped shape her journey. With a background in journalism and broadcasting, Nicola brings years of experience in professional storytelling, media production, and on-camera confidence. Through Applehead Media, she has built a reputation for working predominantly with senior leaders, executives,…