How Manchester’s finance & tech sectors are embracing inclusive leadership
Manchester has long been a powerhouse of innovation, from the Industrial Revolution to today’s thriving fintech and digital ecosystems. But as the city cements its status as a northern tech and finance hub, a new revolution is underway: one that prioritises diversity, equity, and inclusion at the highest levels of leadership.
Across the UK, and especially in Manchester, DEI has moved from a “nice-to-have” to a strategic imperative. Executive search firms are under increasing pressure to deliver leadership candidates who reflect the diversity of the communities they serve. This isn’t just about optics, it’s about performance. Research consistently shows that diverse leadership teams are more innovative, resilient, and profitable.
According to our 2025 Market Insight and Salary Guide, 55% of professionals say their leadership teams are diverse, a promising sign. However, this figure also reveals that nearly half of respondents still don’t see diversity reflected at the top. The challenge now is not just representation, but intersectional inclusion, equity in progression, and regional consistency.
Manchester's Fintech boom: A catalyst for change
Manchester is now home to over 200 fintech startups and scaleups, making it the UK’s fastest-growing regional fintech hub. The sector contributes more than £1 billion to the regional economy. According to Morgan McKinley’s 2025 report, fintech job vacancies surged by 44% last year, driven by investment in AI and digital transformation.
This growth presents a unique opportunity: to build inclusive leadership from the ground up. Startups, unlike legacy institutions, have the agility to embed DEI into their culture from day one. Many are doing just that - setting diversity targets, offering flexible work policies, and creating inclusive leadership pipelines.
Women in Leadership - Manchester's momentum
While progress has been made, women remain underrepresented in senior roles across finance and tech. Events like the Empower Women in Tech Conference and RISE: Women Leading the Future are helping to shift the narrative, bringing together female leaders, innovators, and changemakers to tackle barriers and share strategies.
Manchester’s Women in Tech Festival continues to spotlight intersectional challenges, from menopause and mental health to LGBTQ+ representation and racial equity. At Marks Sattin, we’re proud to contribute to this conversation through our podcast series, Women in Tech, where we spotlight inspiring female leaders in technology and explore companies can create more inclusive and equitable working environments.
AI, DEI, and the future of recruitment
Technology is playing a dual role in this transformation. On one hand, AI-driven recruitment tools are helping to reduce unconscious bias by anonymising CVs and standardising interview processes. On the other, there’s growing concern about algorithmic bias, making it essential that DEI principles are baked into the tech itself.
Manchester’s tech community is responding. According to the Manchester Digital Sector Insights Report 2025, 80% of tech leaders say AI skills are now essential, and many are investing in inclusive hiring platforms.
What this means for employers and candidates
For employers, the message is clear: inclusive leadership isn’t optional - it’s a competitive advantage. Companies that fail to diversify their executive teams risk falling behind in innovation, employee engagement, and market relevance. For candidates, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds, the landscape is shifting. There’s never been a better time to step forward, speak up, and lead.
How Marks Sattin can help you build inclusive leadership
At Marks Sattin, we understand that building diverse and inclusive leadership teams isn’t just a goal, it’s a business imperative. Our specialist consultants work closely with clients across Manchester’s finance and tech sectors to identify top-tier talent from a wide range of backgrounds. Whether you're scaling a fintech startup or strengthening your executive bench in a global finance firm, we’re here to help you recruit with purpose.
Our latest Market Insight and Salary Guide offers a deep dive into DEI trends, salary benchmarks, and hiring strategies across the UK and Ireland. It’s packed with data from over 1,800 professionals and includes commentary from our expert teams on how to attract and retain diverse talent in today’s competitive market.
You can also explore our DEI-focused articles and insights to learn how inclusive hiring practices are reshaping the future of work.
