We are thrilled to celebrate an extraordinary milestone, the 20th anniversary of our Communications Manager Simon Cronin!
As we look back on the past 20 years, we’re reminded of the moments that showcase Simon's impact on the company and all that have worked alongside him.
Lucy, our Head of Marketing said 'Simon has been an invaluable member of the team throughout his remarkable 20 years at the Chamber. Simon's ability to work with our members to produce long form, thought leadership pieces has allowed us to better share the success stories of our Greater Manchester business network. As he reaches this significant milestone, we extend our gratitude for his dedication, professionalism, and lasting contributions to the Chamber.'
Here is a quote from Simon discussing his time at the Chamber and his journey throughout his career:
"Before joining the Chamber, I worked as a reporter on a regional daily newspaper, during which time I covered both business and general news. I started my career at the Chamber as Press and PR Officer, using my journalistic skills writing for the Chamber magazine, which was then called ‘53 Degrees’, and later editing it and its successor ‘The Business.’ Over the years, I’ve been privileged to hear the stories of many fascinating local businesses and work with many great colleagues.
While working at the Chamber, I’ve seen local businesses face the challenges of the financial crisis of 2008, recession and Brexit. Greater Manchester has also been transformed through major developments such as Media City, the huge expansion in city centre living, the restoration of iconic buildings like Central Library and Rochdale Town Hall, and the building of world-class venues Aviva Studios and Co-op Live. Greater Manchester has also grown in confidence and gained more control of its future through having an elected mayor with devolved powers over key areas such as public transport.
Today the Chamber produces more of its own content than ever before. As Communications Manager I edit our weekly e-newsletter, ‘On Point’, which I’ve redeveloped over the past year to include more in-depth articles such as our ‘In Conversation With” series where I interview leading business figures from across Greater Manchester and beyond. Over the past year, the newsletter has featured every type of Chamber member from the medical charity working on the frontline in Gaza and Ukraine to the company providing sportswear to Britain’s Olympic athletes. And we’ve covered topics ranging from the people leaving Hong Kong to build a new life in the North West to raising awareness of menopause in the workplace.
I look forward to seeing how the Chamber and Greater Manchester develop in 2025 and the years to come."