Keynote speaker - Lou Cordwell OBE

Lou is Professor of Innovation at the Manchester Institute of Innovation Research (MIOIR) at Alliance Manchester Business School (AMBS) and Special Advisor (Innovation and Regional Ecosystem) to the Office of the President and Vice-Chancellor.

Her responsibilities include providing strategic guidance on innovation ecosystems to the University and contributing to the work of MIOIR and AMBS. She is working with leaders across the University to advise on how it can enhance its role as a key driver of the region’s economy, including by strengthening existing, and developing new, collaborative relationships with local and national government, business, and other external stakeholders.

Lou began her career working for multinational communications, advertising, PR and technology company WPP before founding Manchester-based digital design studio magneticNorth (mN). In 2021, mN was acquired by Fluxx, creating the UK’s leading design and innovation consultancy, Magnetic, where Lou continues to be involved as Chief Creative Officer.

Lou spent two years through to autumn 2023 building the joint venture team and strategic masterplan for ID Manchester, Europe’s most ambitious innovation district project.

Alongside the day job, she is Chair of Greater Manchester Business Board, the local enterprise partnership, and an angel investor, with a particular focus on female tech founders.

Lou was awarded an OBE in the 2018 New Year’s Honours for services to the creative and digital economy.