GC colleagues recognised for creating opportunities and delivering impact

We’re celebrating our colleagues and leaders whose work has been recognised through recent awards and industry accolades.

From supporting people in recovery to find sustainable employment, to leading inclusive economic growth across the North, these achievements reflect the difference our people make every day for individuals, businesses and communities.

IPS Grow Awards 2026

Congratulations to Sarah Thompson, an Employment Specialist with GC Employment, Justice and Health who has won the Outstanding Contribution to IPS Award, for her work with the Recovery Works team in the Wirral.

The awards celebrate excellence in Individual Placement and Support (IPS), recognising the people and services helping individuals with health conditions and other challenges move into sustainable employment.

Sarah's achievement highlights the dedication and expertise that underpin employment support across the Growth Company. Through personalised support, colleagues help people overcome barriers, build confidence and take positive steps towards employment, creating opportunities that can have a lasting impact on lives and communities.

Learn more about the IPS Grow Awards 2026.

Northern Leaders List 2026

Our Chief Executive Officer, Mark Hughes, and Joe Manning, Managing Director of Invest Manchester, have been named in BusinessCloud's Northern Leaders List 2026.

The annual list shines a light on more than 200 leaders who have made, and continue to make, a positive difference across the North. Their inclusion reflects the role they play in supporting businesses, attracting investment and creating opportunities that drive inclusive economic growth across Greater Manchester and beyond.

Learn more about the Northern Leaders List 2026.

ERSA Employability Awards nominations

Finally, we’re pleased to be shortlisted for a number of awards in the upcoming ERSA Employability Awards. These awards celebrate the individuals, partnerships and initiatives making a difference through employment and skills support, highlighting excellence across the sector.

The Growth Company has been shortlisted for six awards, spanning frontline delivery, leadership, employer partnerships, innovation and community outreach. Together, the nominations showcase the breadth of activity taking place across the group, from supporting individuals into sustainable employment and building strong employer relationships to developing innovative approaches that improve outcomes for people and communities.

The shortlisted nominations are:

Frontline Adviser – Maurice Angland

Frontline Manager – Lara Leckey

Employer Partnership – Metroline, nominated by The Growth Company

Motivating Senior Leader – Michelle Leeson

Introducing AI – The Growth Company and Beam

Community Outreach – CFO Evolution

Learn more about the ERSA Employability Awards.

Whether it's an award win, a national shortlist or industry recognition, we're proud to see the impact of our colleagues' work recognised. Together, these achievements reflect our shared goal to deliver inclusive, sustainable growth for people, businesses and communities.