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Across both our sites and, in liaison with Central Library’s Business and Intellectual Property Centre, we offer a range of free business orientated learning sessions, interactive workshops and sociable networking opportunities. These are carefully planned out to offer advice on the different aspects of running a business, whether it be as a sole trader or a limited company. To provide expert advice on each topic, we work with different speakers to deliver our sessions, bringing first-hand knowledge and experience.
Although we do encourage sign-ups, our events are free and open to everyone (regarding you meet the eligibility requirements), but do operate with a limited capacity. Following each session, attendees are invited to view the co-working space and learn more about the free local support that is available across Greater Manchester Libraries. Read on to find out about those hosted in July, and how you can sign up to become involved in future events at Generator and BIPC in Central Library.
Cyber Security Workshop – ‘Keeping your Business Safe’ (15/07/25)
Hosted in partnership with the BIPC, and delivered by the North West Cyber Resilience Centre, the Cyber Security session provided an overview of the various cyber-attacks from which businesses, of any size, are at risk, as well as ways in which this can be reduced and mitigated.
The session covered hacking, data breaches, email compromise and fraud, highlighting mistakes, however small, that could pave the way for such damage. Attendees were introduced to best practice in protecting their business and given the opportunity to discuss any specific questions during 1-2-1 sessions, following the talk.
Generator Breakfast Club – ‘The Power of Storytelling in the Digital Age’ (16/07/25)
Encouraging a sociable start to the day, the Breakfast Club offers a relaxed, collaborative environment in which to meet fellow entrepreneurs and exchange ideas. Being surrounded by others who understand the process and journey of starting and managing a small business was an opportunity for attendees to explore new perspectives and gain valuable insight through shared experiences.
In this particular session, Keerthi Swetha, a long-standing Generator member and in house podcast expert, facilitated a discussion about storytelling the value this can hold in promoting a brand through social medial channels.
Photo by Augustine Okafor, property of Generator.
Networking Evening at Town Hall Exchange (17/07/25)
Hosted monthly, our Networking Evening is an opportunity for fellow entrepreneurs, freelancers and creatives to meet and connect with one another in a relaxed and welcoming environment. The sharing and exchange of ideas is encouraged through a gentle (and entirely optional) icebreaker activity. Refreshments are provided as well as a brief introduction to the Generator project, and an invitation to tour the space and facilities we have on offer.
Photo by Josh Oliva, property of Generator.
‘Starting your Own Podcast : Hands on Training for Beginners’ (Royal Mills, 23/07/25)
Starting from the very basics, this workshop was designed to fully equip attendees with the knowledge to record and produce their Podcast. Beginning with a comprehensive visual guide to utilizing high quality recording equipment, the session transitioned into interactive learning, where participants had the opportunity to apply what they had learnt during the first had of the session in a supportive and guided environment.
All the equipment utilized and demonstrated is available to users at both our Generator sites, for more detail on this, see our blog post for Creative Facilities at Generator Royal Mills.
Photo by Josh Oliva, property of Generator.
Accountancy Clinic (Town Hall Exchange, 24/07/25)
For the Accountancy Clinic, an external speaker was welcomed to deliver to deliver accurate insight and answer questions regarding accountancy in business. This included the recording, analysis, interpreting and legal presentation of financial information.
Attendees had the opportunity to receive 1-2-1 support on the topic following the learning session.
Creatives Connect at Royal Mills (24/07/25)
Creatives Connect brought an afternoon of networking and showcases, with a focus on entrepreneurs, start-ups, and small businesses in the creative industries. Following a brief introduction, attendees were encouraged to converse and engage with one another in our Royal Mills event space. Refreshments were provided and staff remained present to address any questions or queries about the space.
Following this, a selection of our members interactively showcased their creative work, each bringing a unique and hands-on experience to share with the room. To find out more about our creative community and facilities, you can visit our website and Social Media channels.
Photo by Phillip Dovgopol, property of Generator.
‘Using Canva for your Social Content’ (Town Hall Exchange, 30/07/25)
Designed for beginners, the Canva workshop was an informative learning session that gave attendees practical advice, tips, and the demonstrated creation of eye-catching visuals and videos to promote a business online. Being an interactive workshop, attendees were encouraged to bring a device on which to follow the learning and engage in guided practice throughout the session, with the aims to leave feeling comfortable and confident in the use of Canva.
Photo by Emma Kajiyama, property of Generator.
Repeat Events and Workshops at the Generator
Based on popularity and feedback, various events and workshops hosted at Generator are regular or repeat sessions. This includes our Networking events, where the focus is centred around our community and members, encouraging lasting connections and a welcome atmosphere in both our office spaces. See our full list of previous and upcoming events on our Eventbrite page.
Interested in Joining the Generator?
If you are interested in joining the Generator and accessing the range of facilities we offer, as well as the 1-2-1 business support available, do get in touch with us at generator@manchester.gov.uk. To use a desk in our coworking space, click here to sign up and access the booking system.
