Membership

Our Business GM is building a stronger, fairer, and more sustainable economy across Greater Manchester. We bring together organisations that share a commitment to inclusive growth, social impact, and community wealth-building.

Membership is open to a diverse range of organisations under three categories:

Inclusive Businesses

Who can join?
Locally owned and purpose focused organisations whose models of ownership and governance ensure wealth is held and shared with users, workers, and communities.

Examples include

• Social enterprises and trading charities
• Companies limited by guarantee
• Community interest companies (CICs)
• Co-operatives
• Social firms
• Credit unions
• Community benefit societies
• Mutuals
• Community businesses (for-profit with a social purpose)
• Employee-owned private businesses
• Socially driven entrepreneurs and sole traders

These members are helping to make Greater Manchester economy work for everyone.

Anchor Institutions

Who can join?
Large, non-profit, public sector organisations based in Greater Manchester that play a vital role in the health and well-being of their local communities.

Examples include

• Local councils across Greater Manchester
• Greater Manchester Combined Authority
• NHS trusts and health bodies
• Housing associations
• Universities and colleges
• Other public sector organisations committed to inclusive economic growth
• Large corporate organisations who are anchored within Greater Manchester, for example the Manchester Airport Group, Manchester United and Manchester City Football clubs

These members are essential partners in shaping procurement, commissioning, and investment practices that build community wealth.

Associate Members

Who can join?
National or sector-wide bodies, partners, and service providers that are not based in Greater Manchester but have a strong interest in supporting our social economy.

Examples include:

• National representative bodies for the social economy
• Specialist service providers (e.g., social economy-focused lawyers, consultants, and advisers)
• Inclusive businesses acting as subcontractors to GM projects
• National funders and social investors with an offer to GM’s social economy organisations

Associate Members contribute expertise, networks, and resources that help strengthen and scale the impact of Greater Manchester’s inclusive businesses.

Why Join?

• Be part of a powerful, place-based network committed to inclusive and sustainable economic growth
• Build build a fairer economy in Greater Manchester that works for all not just the few
• Access peer learning, collaboration, and support opportunities
• Gain visibility and recognition for your organisation’s social impact
• Influence policy, investment, and anchor procurement practices