MSP Channel Insights Roadshow

Took place 27th January 2026 - Hyatt Regency Manchester

MSP Channel Insights Roadshow - Manchester 2026

Manchester has firmly established itself as one of the UK’s leading digital and tech hubs, known for its rich industrial heritage, vibrant innovation scene, and a thriving community of technology-driven businesses.

With a strong regional infrastructure, access to top-tier universities, and a rapidly growing base of MSPs, cybersecurity firms, and cloud providers, Manchester offers fertile ground for collaboration, innovation, and growth within the managed services sector.

As a centre of excellence for digital transformation in the North of England, Manchester provides a strategic platform for MSPs to engage with industry peers, explore evolving client needs, and stay ahead of trends in cybersecurity, AI, and IT service delivery.

Attending Companies Include

Event Agenda

09:00

Registration Opens

Meet and greet, collect your badge, and connect with peers over coffee as we set the stage for a day of insight, networking, and strategic discussion.

09:55

Welcome Remarks

Opening message from the event moderator with key information about the day’s schedule, delegate structure, and event format.

Alex Wood

Alex Wood Presents

10:00

Fireside Chat: Scaling Smart – A Candid Conversation with a High-Growth MSP

This opening discussion features an MSP leader who has successfully scaled their business. From growth milestones and leadership lessons to navigating customer expectations and strategic pivots, hear how they’ve built resilience, driven innovation, and stayed ahead in a fast-changing market.

Alex Heslip

Novem

Alex Wood

Alex Wood Presents

10:30

Panel Session

Panel 1: Cybersecurity & Resilience – Navigating Threats in an AI-Enhanced World

As threat actors become more sophisticated and AI reshapes both defence and offence, MSPs must adapt. This panel explores monetising security services, ensuring operational resilience, and staying compliant in a volatile cyber landscape.

Alex Wood

Alex Wood Presents

David Clarke

The TrustBridge

Matt Fooks

VCG Technology Services

Tom Heyes

Airwalk Reply

11:05

Micro Insight Sessions

Quickfire sponsor-led sessions sharing sharp, non-salesy insights in just five minutes each. Designed to educate and spark ideas ahead of the networking time - where you can dive in deeper with the sponsors. Presented by Threatlocker and The TrustBridge.

11:15

Networking Break & Refreshments

Take a break, grab a coffee, and connect with fellow delegates and sponsors in a relaxed setting.

11:45

Panel Session

Panel 2: Smarter Sales & Marketing – Winning in a Crowded MSP Landscape

Standing out requires strategy, not just effort. This panel covers how MSPs are evolving their go-to-market approach with data, AI, and vertical specialisation to win high-value clients and drive repeatable, profitable growth.

Graham Stead

Growth Habits

Edd Dale

Illuminate Learning

Joe Burns

Reformed IT

Stephen Grey

Westcoast Cloud

Stephen Hobson

Apex Computing

12:15

Roundtable Sessions

Strategic Insight Roundtable Sessions (Part 1)

Delegates break into small groups to rotate through focused, sponsor-led boardroom sessions. Expect practical discussions, real-world solutions, and collaborative problem-solving on topics that matter most to MSPs.

Boardroom 1

Session 1 hosted by Westcoast Cloud

Session 2 hosted by Westcoast Cloud

Boardroom 2

Session 1 hosted by Trust Bridge

Session 2 hosted by Growth Habits

Each delegate will be assigned to one of two teams and will rotate through all sessions. You'll spend 40 minutes in each roundtable, ensuring a rich and varied experience across the key topics.

13:45

Lunch & Informal Networking

Enjoy a high-quality lunch while continuing conversations with fellow MSP leaders, sponsors, and speakers.

14:45

Roundtable Sessions

Strategic Insight Roundtable Sessions (Part 2)

The second round of focused discussions, ensuring every delegate gains exposure to all sponsors and themes.

Boardroom 1

Session 1 hosted by Trust Bridge

Boardroom 2

Session 1 hosted by Growth Habits

Each delegate will be assigned to one of two teams and will rotate through all sessions. You'll spend 40 minutes in each roundtable, ensuring a rich and varied experience across the key topics.

15:30

Panel Session

Panel 3: People, Culture, Recruitment & DEI – The New Competitive Edge for MSPs

As services commoditise, people strategy is becoming the defining differentiator for MSPs. This panel explores how leading MSPs are attracting and retaining the right talent, embedding diversity, equity and inclusion into their cultures, and developing future-ready leaders. The discussion will examine modern recruitment challenges, building inclusive and high-performing teams, and fostering agile, AI-aware organisations that can scale sustainably.

Alex Wood

Alex Wood Presents

Hayley Carter

ESSENTIA

Natalie Hailey

Academia the Technology Group

Tom Marwood

Westcoast Cloud

Zoe Chatley

The Channel Recruiter

16:00

Panel Session

Panel 4: M&A, Investment & Growth Strategy – Building a Business That Scales or Sells

Whether your goal is expansion, acquisition, or preparing for sale, this panel offers insight into what drives valuation and strategic growth. Hear from MSPs, investors, and advisors on how to build a business fit for the next stage.

Alex Wood

Alex Wood Presents

Alex Heslip

Novem

Ken Roulston

Ex2 Consultancy

Wernher Pikali

AION Succession Partners

16:30

Wrap-Up & Closing Insights

A short summary of the day’s key insights, with thanks to our sponsors, speakers, and delegates.

16:35

Drinks Reception & Networking

Unwind, connect further, and continue the conversation in an informal setting over drinks.

17:35

Manchester, UK