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Episode 3 of Manchester Tech Journey is now live!

Join our Manchester Director, Michael Collins, as he speaks with influential voices from the tech world, offering honest insights into their career paths, challenges, and successes.

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In this insightful episode of Manchester Tech Journey, host Michael Collins welcomes Phil Simpson, Head of Software Engineering at Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM), for a deep dive into the evolving intersection of transport and technology across the region.

Michael opens the conversation by sharing his enthusiasm for Manchester’s tech scene, highlighting his commitment to amplifying the voices of local businesses and tech leaders. Despite having lived in Manchester for just a year, he already feels a strong sense of belonging and is keen to showcase the innovation and community spirit that underpin the city’s tech ecosystem.

Phil Simpson introduces himself and discusses his unique career path having joined TfGM as a contractor in June before moving into a permanent position just two months later. His rapid transition reflects both his passion for the role and for the organisation. Phil explains the crucial part TfGM plays in keeping Greater Manchester moving, emphasising that its responsibilities go well beyond buses and trams. The organisation supports cyclists, pedestrians and more, contributing to a diverse and wide-reaching transport infrastructure.

He speaks candidly about the complexity of the organisation, admitting that even he underestimated the scale of TfGM before joining. He describes it as a “really cool place to work” and shares his excitement about the future particularly the plans to bring key rail routes back into public ownership. Pointing to the recent successes of the Bee Network and improvements to bus services, Phil suggests that similar reforms in rail could have a transformative effect on Greater Manchester’s transport system.

This episode sets the stage for a series exploring Manchester’s fast-developing tech sector, shining a light on the people and projects shaping the city’s future.

It’s a must-listen for anyone interested in how technology and public infrastructure combine to power a city’s growth and for those curious about the people driving Manchester’s tech community forward.

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If you are looking for a recruitment partner who can help you navigate through the tech scene in Manchester, contact iO Associates today by clicking here.

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