We Built This City: Greater Manchester
This podcast features conversations with people from Greater Manchester — whether born there, raised there, or adopted by the city — who have helped shape modern Manchester. Host Lisa Morton speaks with figures from culture, arts, politics, sport, music, and business about the values and relationships that drove their work. Guests include Andy Burnham, Gary Neville, Clint Boon, Sacha Lord, and others. The show celebrates human grit, determination, loyalty, and diversity, and explores the legacies these Mancunians hope to leave behind.
Episodes
Manc 106 - Gareth Shenton - The Manc about Town
“ I'm interested in people's stories. I want to know where they've come from. I want to know what they're up to, what makes them tick.”Meet Gareth Shenton, the Manc who’ll always welcome you to his table and creates atmospheres you want to be a part of.Gareth is Operations Director at Shenton Group, which means he steers the ship across their buildings in Manchester City centre, including the form
The Compound Effect of Being Generous - Blooming North with Lisa Morton
The best networks aren’t built by asking; they’re built by giving.We Built This City host Lisa Morton was invited to be a guest on another great Manchester podcast, Blooming North, and you can hear that conversation in this episode.Lisa joined 'Coach to the North' Lisa Hughes on the most recent episode of the Blooming North podcast. Together they explored the idea of creating your own "Manchester
Argh Kid on Caroline Aherne: A Love Letter to A Rebel in Disguise
”She was a quiet rebel in class, a diamond sifter in a gravel pit."Caroline Aherne left Manchester with a comedic legacy that went on to redefine British TV.One of the many people she inspired is Dave Scott, the poet and author who you might know better as Argh Kid. Dave’s latest book ‘Rebel in Disguise', is a love letter to Caroline’s work as a writer, actress and comedian.Host Lisa Morton record
Manc 105: Mike Pickering - The Manc Who Made Manchester Move On Up
”Our songs were all about how I felt being Mancunian”What does it look like to live a life immersed in the Manchester music scene and to make a city dance?Mike Pickering is the legendary Hacienda DJ, musician and former A&R for Factory Records and now, author. You can’t tell the story of music in Manchester over the past 40 years without Mike in the picture.In this episode, you’ll find out how
Manc 104: Caroline Simpson - The Adopted Manc Moving Greater Manchester Forward
What does it take to run one of the UK's most ambitious city regions?Caroline Simpson, Group Chief Executive of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, joins Lisa Morton to share how the region is turning devolution into real, tangible change for people's lives.Caroline has helped shape some of the most significant developments in Greater Manchester in recent years, including the Bee Network; t
Manc 103: Joe Gallagher - Wythenshawe and World Champions: A Manc Mentality with Championship Mindset
What does it mean to spend over 40 years building a career that shapes so much of who you are?Joe Gallagher is a professional world champion boxing coach and the owner of Gallagher's Gym in Moss Side. A born and bred Mancunian, Joe spends his time fighting people’s corner, encouraging them to find strength and ultimately win.In this episode, you’ll hear how Joe’s entry into boxing at just 10 years
Manc 102: Emma Neville - The Manc Making Menopause Matter
How do you create a community that helps women across Greater Manchester feel seen, heard and valued?Emma Neville is a menopause coach and trained counsellor, whose work is centred around listening to and supporting women. Hear about the lessons she’s learnt from spending years giving her time to supporting people across Manchester from inside some of the city's most important charities, and from
Manc 101: Lisa Morton - The Heart of 100 Mancs
‘It takes a village, it takes a city’How do you create your big Manchester Family?Fresh from the Big Manc Chippy tea event, which celebrated reaching 100 Mancs on the podcast, Lisa Morton is turning the tables in this episode. For the first time, she’s the one answering questions on values, relationships, purpose, legacy and of course, the all-important chippy order.Lisa is joined by her daughter,
Making a Team Thrive and Go Live: Han Thompson - Drawn Here Not Born Here
“The city has been my ally; I've never been frightened to make any career changes”Han Thompson is the Production Executive for BBC’s Morning Live. Her rural roots in the Cotswolds haven't stopped her from finding her place here in Manchester, something she attributes to “typical Manc chattiness and openness”, which she experienced right from the start of her time in the city region.Morning Live is
The Yorkshire Man with a MIDAS Touch - Joe Manning - Drawn Here Not Born Here
“It’s exciting to be part of the city; we've got so much further to go”On this episode of Drawn Here Not Born Here from We Built This City, Lisa talks to Joe Manning, Managing Director of MIDAS, Manchester’s inward investment agency.Joe explains how MIDAS is building relationships between Greater Manchester and leading global cities, creating opportunities for international businesses to invest, c
Manc 100: Michael Ingall - 25 Years of Building This City
“Manchester has a DNA, which is very powerful, founded on things that matter in life”Meet Manc 100.Michael Ingall is the Chairman and CEO of the property and investment group Allied London.Michael and his team have always had an incredible understanding of the energy and confidence of the city, and a vision for what it could become in the future.In this episode, you’ll hear how Allied London devel
Lending A Manc Attitude: Andrew Charnley - Drawn Here Not Born Here
What makes you fall in love with Manchester and stay for three decades?Andrew Charnley is the Managing Director of Sancus, a property finance and lending company, and a long-time champion of Manchester. When he joined the business in 2024, he knew they would benefit from being part of the city’s buzz and momentum, and since then, Andrew has led Sancus’ expansion in the city region, backing Manches
A Manc Kind of Care - Prof Jon Bell
What does it take to care for people at the most vulnerable moments of their lives?Jon Bell is a consultant Interventional Radiologist at The Christie in Manchester, the largest cancer care centre in Europe, providing world-leading cancer care, from Greater Manchester. Jon and his team are helping to treat and care for one in two of us who will get cancer.He also happens to be the son of Mancheste
Checked In and Stayed: Matt Townley - Drawn Here Not Born Here
How do you make people feel at home in a city that still feels new?There are so many people making big contributions to Greater Manchester who don’t quite fit the ‘born, bred or adopted Manc’ label. We Built This City is celebrating some of those people with ‘Drawn Here Not Born Here’.Matt Townley is Group Operations Director at Dakota Hotels and Chair of the Manchester Hoteliers Association. He c
Going Live in Manchester: Becci Thomson - Drawn Here Not Born Here
How do you sell a groundbreaking new venue in a city you’ve only just moved to?We Built This City celebrates people who contribute to Greater Manchester in a meaningful way, and Mancs can be “born, bred or adopted”. But what about the people who don’t quite fit those labels? Like in Tony Walsh's poem, they’ve been drawn here, not born here. In this series, you’ll hear from some of those people.Peo
Legally Scouse but a Little Bit Manc: Peter Jackson - Drawn Here Not Born Here
How do you make your way in business in Manchester as a Scouser?There are many people making big contributions to Greater Manchester who don’t quite fit the born, bred or adopted Manc label. And We Built This City is celebrating some of those people with ‘Drawn Here Not Born Here’.Peter Jackson is the former CEO and Managing Partner of the Law firm Hill Dickinson. Back in the late 90s, he came fro
Manc 99: Collette Roche - The Manc Bringing A United Vision
“It’s an amazing opportunity for Manchester United and the region” Collette Roche is the Chief Operating Officer of Manchester United, the first woman ever to hold that role at the club. Along the way, she’s had to navigate male-dominated environments; hold tough conversations, and lead with clarity and empathy since she was 21 years old.Collette’s story isn’t just about football. She’s playe
Manc Returns: Will Lees-Jones - Bringing Boddies Back To Town
How has the ‘Cream of Manchester’ been “pulled” back to the city?Will Lees-Jones is the Managing Director of JW Lees, a seventh-generation family brewery and pub business with pubs all across the North West.Will caught up with Lisa Morton to share the news about the exciting return of Boddingtons to Manchester and other pubs near you.They discuss what it means to bring back an icon to the city; Wi
Manc 98: Tom Stannard - Leading a Global City with A Local Touch
"It's all about connecting people and place to opportunity."Tom Stannard is the Chief Executive of Manchester City Council. A proud public servant, he began his career in London, but his journey in the North West has been a tale of two cities. Tom left Salford four months ago to start his new role in Manchester.Find out how Tom leads with a community first mindset; humility, purpose and humour, in
Manc 97: Amer Gaffar - The Manc (Clean) Fuelling Greater Manchester
What does it take to power a greener future for Manchester?Amer Gaffar is the Director of the Manchester Fuel Cell Innovation Centre at Manchester Metropolitan University, a research hub developing hydrogen and fuel cell technologies, which will support Greater Manchester's goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2038.Lisa and Amer discuss exactly what a ‘fuel cell’ is and how hydrogen can power
Special Episode: Figen Murray - The Loving Mum Campaigning for Safe Spaces
In this special episode, Lisa Morton revisits one of the most powerful conversations from the podcast to date — her 2022 interview with Figen Murray OBE.Figen practises kindness and teaches resilience in an effort to build a safer, more united society — one rooted in trust, respect, and compassion. After losing her son Martyn Hett in the Manchester Arena bombing in 2017, she gave up her career as
Manc 96: Erinma Bell - Manchester’s Peaceful Activist
"Peace is an ongoing journey; it never ends."What motivates somebody to tackle Manchester’s biggest problems?Professor Erinma Bell MBE joins host Lisa Morton to share what drove her to create change at a time when the city region was being called ‘Gunchester’ and the values that have kept her on that mission for the past 25 years.Erinma is a peace activist, community leader, and councillor for Man
Manc 95: Victoria Braddock -The Manc Marketing Manchester
"If you want something, you can't sit there and wait for someone to put it in your hand for you."In this episode, Lisa sat down with Victoria Braddock, the Managing Director of Marketing Manchester, Lisa heard how she and her team are putting Manchester’s brand on the global stage. Victoria shares what it was like growing up in Manchester, offering ‘backies’ into town on her brother's bi
From Lockdown to Legacy: A Greater Mancunian Story
"We always look out for each other in Manchester, no matter what."Five years ago Lisa Morton launched the ‘We Built This City’ podcast in an aim to connect with born, bred and adopted Mancunians who have helped to shape this city region, not just with bricks and mortar but with their impact too. It’s impossible to reflect back on that time without acknowledging the toll of the COVID-19 pande
*Special Episode* Reflecting On The Values it Takes to Build a City
"Legacy isn't about monuments or headlines. It's about impact."Join Lisa Morton in a reflective episode of "We Built This City" as she delves into the themes of values and legacy. This special episode revisits conversations with some of the guests who have joined Lisa on “We Built This City” over the past year, including Gethen Jones and Julie Hesmondhalgh. Learn how Manchester's unique char
Manc 94: Gethin Jones - The Adopted Manc Combining Courtesy, Community and the Quickstep
Gethin Jones shares his morning with the nation right from Manchester City centre. In this episode, you’ll hear how Gethin’s Welsh roots have been entwined with Manchester since the late 90’s first coming here as a student.You’ll learn how Gethin has been immersing himself in the community here for the past few years through his work both on-screen and off, as he’s settled in Greater Manchest
3:00AM Conversations with Lisa Morton
“Everything we do is all about relationships”We Built This City host Lisa Morton isn't the one asking the questions this week, she shares with you her conversation on the 3:00AM Conversations podcast from international Law firm Hill Dickinson.Hosts Peter Jackson and Anjon Mallik hear how Lisa made her way as a young female entrepreneur in the 1990’s, to become a leader in communications in M
Special Episode: In Tribute to Sir Howard Bernstein
Remembering the legacy left by Sir Howard BernsteinThis week Lisa attended the memorial for Sir Howard Bernstein, impacted by the emotions, tributes shared and lasting values. She wanted to re-share with you their conversation on the podcast. As the Chief Executive of Manchester City Council for nearly 20 years, Sir Howard was instrumental in getting the city back on its feet after the IRA bo
Manc 93: Nicola Marsh - The Salfordian Helping Talent Shine
"Manchester is just a place of opportunity, whatever it is that you do."Nicola Marsh is a born and bred Salfordian and Managing Director of Essence Mediacom North.Nicola created a career for herself in digital advertising in the early days of the internet, you’ll hear about how she continues to navigate this constantly evolving media landscape, and her commitment to fostering diversity and inclusi
Manc 92: Colin Shenton - The Restoration Manc
"The whole point about building a city is it isn’t one person’s project.”Colin Shenton is the founder and CEO of Shenton Group, a property company he started in Manchester in the late 1980s, when the city looked and worked very differently. You’ll hear about the deal Colin made the very beginning of his career, and how he handled the restoration of a heritage building aged just 21.Colin share
Manc 91: Julie Hesmondhalgh - The Manc Acting With Heart
“This is my city now till I die. I absolutely love it."You will probably know Julie Hesmondhalgh as the legendary actor who took on the much-loved role of trans character Hayley Cropper on ITV’s Coronation Street. Julie and host Lisa Morton discuss everything from Julie’s beginnings in Accrington; how she became one of the UK's most cherished performers and how Manchester has now become ‘her
Manc 90: Dave Moutrey - Creating a HOME for Culture in Greater Manchester
"There's a culture of creativity in our city”Dave Moutrey has been an integral part of Manchester’s arts and cultural scene since the 1980’s. He sits down with host Lisa Morton to discuss his journey to becoming a cornerstone of creativity in the city. Lisa hears about Dave’s formative years, where the sparks of his passion for the arts were ignited during memorable trips to London. It
Manc 89: Seema Malhotra - Reality Housewife of Cheshire. A Real Manc
"What I love about Manchester, is it's constantly evolving”Seema Malhotra combines glitz, glamour and proper manc graft.On this episode of ‘We Built This City’ host Lisa Morton is joined by the co-founder of fashion brand ‘Forever Unique’ and star of the reality show ‘The Real Housewives of Cheshire’. Seema candidly shares her experiences of juggling cultural and family expectations wh
Manc 88: Michala Hulme - The Genealogist Who Loves The Bones of Manchester
‘Girls like me, they just don't do history.’Dr Michala Hulme is a genealogist and broadcaster connecting people with their family history. In this episode, you’ll learn about the real people from Greater Manchester’s past and how they lived their lives. Michala has an incredible talent for uncovering family trees, and her mission is to make history accessible and engaging for everyone.&nbs
Manc 87: Jonathan Schofield - The Manc That Walks The Talk
"The whole city centre's my playground."Take a stroll through Manchester's rich history and it’s vibrant present with Jonathan Schofield, a born and bred Mancunian. From its industrial roots to its modern-day resurgence, Jonathan shares intriguing stories and quotes that capture the essence of Greater Manchester's spirit. Tour Guide and Editor-at-large of ‘Manchester Confidentials’ Jonathan Schofi
Manc 86: Matty White - Manchester's Food Guy
Matty is a long-time Manchester resident with an intriguing journey, over his 25 years in the city region he’s become a well-known figure in Manchester's food and drink scene, you may have seen his videos with Manchester’s Finest exploring some of Mnachester’s best food and drink venues.In this episode hear how Maty went from bartending across Manchester to broadcasting to the region, and what it
Values That Maketh the Manc, Celebrating 50 years of Greater Manchester
Celebrate the 50th anniversary of Greater Manchester with Lisa Morton as she explores the enduring values that make Mancunians remarkable. This episode of 'We Built This City' brings together stories from past guests like Sharon Latham, Siobhan Johnston and Anna Jameson and others who embody the city's spirit of connectivity, generosity, and resilience.You’ll hear stories of unexpected friendships
Manc 85: John Robb - The Punk Writing Manchesters Music History
Dive into the vibrant world of punk rock, DIY ethos, and the transformative power of music with John Robb an adopted Mancunian who has built a life in the beats and bars of Manchester.John is a prolific writer who was the first to write books on the likes of the Stone Roses and The Charlatans Discover the untold stories behind the city's gritty rise to musical fame and how John's relentless creati
Manc 84: Julie Twist - The City Living Pioneer
“We look after the community and try to grow Manchester” Julie Twist is a property pioneer who has been helping to shape the city's skyline since 1994. In this episode of "We Built This City," Julie recounts her unexpected leap from supermarket employee to city centre property specialist celebrating 30 years of her company, Julie Twist Properties. Discover alongside host Lisa Morton
Changing the Game for Women in Greater Manchester on International Women's Day
“All of these formidable women, it’s amazing”To mark International Women’s Day 2024, Lisa Morton is asking some of Greater Manchester’s most inspiring role models what they are both celebrating and campaigning for in 2024. In this special episode of We Built This City, Lisa explores what’s changing for women across boardrooms, classrooms, changing rooms and dancefloors.You’ll hear from Jane K
Manc 83: DJ Paulette - The DJ Sharing Peace, Love, Unity and Respect
“Music is all around us in Manchester. It really is!”Join Host Lisa Morton as one of Manchester Music’s most influential figures DJ Paulette shares stories of breaking barriers and beats in a male-dominated industry, from blagging a lifetime Hacienda membership to spinning records at the city's most iconic venues. In this episode, Paulette reflects on the legendary “Flesh” club night the Haci
Manc 82: Sam Piccione - Building on the Beat of Manchester
“We couldn’t have picked a better city to build this arena”Dive into the electrifying world of live events with Sam Piccione. Sam is the President International of Oak View Group, the company behind the much-anticipated Co-Op Live Arena.Sam’s work has taken him from the United States to China, London, and now Manchester, where he's helping to create a new state-of-the-art venue. Sam and host Lisa
Manc 81: Yvonne Shelton - The Backing Singer Backing Her Community
“You can have such a laugh with Manchester artists” Yvonne Shelton’s musical career is as rich and varied as the city itself. Her voice has echoed through the city's vibrant music scene for the past 40 years. She has performed as a backing singer for global stars, provided vocals for some of Manchester’s best-known artists and sang centre stage as part of the much-loved Hacienda Classica
Manc 80: John Hughes - The Creator of Places People Love
“All good cities don’t turn their back on the river”Dive into the transformational journey of Manchester's urban landscape. John Hughes has been a key player in the city's development for the past 20 years in his role at Ask Real Estate. John started work just days after leaving university in 1997 when the city was still recovering from the IRA bomb. He’s since shaped some of the city's
*Special* The Mancunian Way In 2024
“We're finding our feet again as a city.”Lisa Morton is in the process of talking to one hundred born, bred and adopted Mancunians that have been - and are - the building blocks of Greater Manchester. At the start of a new year it’s time to both reflect and look forward. Who’s going to be running the city?What are the events we'll be looking forward to?And how is Manchester’s skyli
Manc 79: Michael Taylor - All Roads Lead To Journalism
“I just love telling people’s stories”When Michael Taylor left Lancaster for university studies in Manchester, he gained more than a sociology degree - he found a city to call home, a true adopted Manc.Experience 1980s Manchester through Michael's memories of the clubs, relationships and a cultural vibrancy he came to embrace and love.What did Michael learn from being at the heart of the city’s bu
Manc 78: Jennie Johnson MBE - The Entrepreneur Getting Better By The Day
“I started listing what I needed from a childcare provider” When Jennie Johnson’s childcare plans fell through on a work trip to London, she had a lightbulb moment that led her to create a hugely successful business. Jennie founded the children’s nursery chain Kids Allowed. By the time she sold that business, 20 years later, Kids Allowed was providing childcare services for over 2
Manc 77: Andy Spinoza - The Human Pinball of Manchester
“I came here with a blank page to be written on”PR mogul Andy Spinoza came to Manchester from London in 1979, drawn by the city’s radical history, its growing music scene and the urge to find a place to “fit”.Lisa Morton finds out how he tried and failed to interview Tony Wilson in a front room in Rusholme’s Moon Grove, what it was like to launch the alternative magazine “City Life” and why
Manc 76: John Henshaw - The Ancoats Actor With Talking Shoes
“Go out there and create. You've got to do it.”Actor John Henshaw joins Lisa Morton for a conversation in City Tower, which overlooks Manchester city centre. It’s a very different skyline to the one John came to love as a child growing up in Ancoats during the 50’s and 60’s. John, who was one of 14, was born and raised on George Leigh street. He jokingly describes his childhood a
We Built This City Trailer
Who's putting the "great" into Greater Manchester? We Built This City is all about the people, places and relationships that have built the fabric of modern Manchester. In this series, host Lisa Morton brings you the remaining the born, bred or adopted Mancs that have impacted the city region.
Manc 75: Anna Jameson - The Broadcaster Making Her Nan Proud
"No one's better than anyone else, everyone's the same" Anna Jameson is the broadcaster who wakes up Greater Manchester as the presenter of BBC Radio Manchester’s breakfast show. She’s also a reporter on North West Tonight and you can hear her on BBC Radio Five Live too. Lisa and Anna discuss how Anna’s late Nan still inspires her, when she’s holding powerful people to account.&nb
Special Episode: We’ll Build This City - The Future of Manchester
“Get young people interested and believing they have a voice”
This episode of We Built this City is all about the future of Greater Manchester. Lisa Morton sat down with Councillor Garry Bridges and Manchester’s Members of Youth Parliament (MYPs), to talk about what young people need for their future. Over the past 12 months, Manchester has responded with a game-changing programme – “Our Year”
New Podcast: Lobster Brain
Lisa Morton has a new podcast. It's called Lobster Brain and it features interviews with highly successful people to find out how they got to the top. Click here to follow the podcast now.
Mentioned in this episode:Thanks to our partners for this episode of We Built This City, Car Finance 247. You can visit CarFinance247.co.uk or follow Car Finance 247 on LinkedIn to find out more about them.
Manc 74:Divina De Campo - The Queen of Four and a Half Octaves
“The only way we got our rights is by showing solidarity”Divina De Campo is a force to be reckoned with, both on stage and off. They’ve got the ability to sing in 5 different languages and up and down 4.5 octaves - whilst wearing some incredible outfits and heels. Divina has the best laugh in showbiz and there are some real laughs in this conversation too. Underpinning it all thou
Manc 73: Maria Turner - The Scouse Diamond of Manchester
“For me it’s about giving opportunities to others.”Maria Turner is the Client Services Director at Roland Dransfield. She’s recently celebrated 10 years at Roland Dransfield, having worked her way continuously from work experience - straight out of The University of Manchester - all the way to the leadership team. Maria was an integral part of the team that created the “Roland Dransfield Way
Manc 72: Davo Howarth - The Artist Here For A Long Time And A Good Time
“If I’m not an artist, what am I?”Artist Davo Howarth joined Lisa Morton in “Heaven” at Hotel Football for this week's episode. It’s a place that’s very close to Davo’s heart as it overlooks Old Trafford football ground. A born and raised Manc, Davo is an artist who describes his style as “explosive.” In this conversation, you’ll hear how he navigated the school system growing up as a c
Manc 71: Tony Michaelides - An Alien Of Extraordinary Ability
Tony Michaelides has been described as a walking, talking, encyclopaedia of music. He’s been described that way for good reason, because he’s worked with everyone from David Bowie, to New Order to Take That. Tony worked in promotions and as a consultant in the music industry. He’s also very well known in Manchester for his time at Piccadilly Radio, where his nickname was “Tony the Greek
Manc 70: Kyle Walker - The Kid Who Did
“Hopefully, people see me and think ‘I could do that too’”In this episode, Lisa is joined by Manchester-born and raised Kyle Walker. Kyle is a presenter and reporter for Sky Sports, former host of BBC Radio Manchester’s “The Dead Good Show” and contributor on Football Focus and Match of the Day.Kyle is proud of his roots and is passionate about showing young people from Manchester that they don't
*Special* A City Filled With Pride
“Continuing a Pride that Manchester can be proud of”
This week the city is celebrating Manchester Pride 2022. Across the weekend there will be the annual parade, vigil, parties and a new Human Rights rally in celebration of Manchester’s LQBTQ+ community.
This episode shines a light on Manchester Pride: the festival weekend, the people who bring it all together and the community that surrounds it
*Special* The Students Building This City
“Manchester is a place where young people come, to find their feet and then fly.”
Manchester has hosted graduation ceremonies for thousands of students recently, who have reached the end of their undergraduate and postgraduate studies. It’s a good time to celebrate everything Manchester has to offer its students, from the amazing creative and tech industries to the ever-growing music scene and n
Manc 69: Bev Craig - The Leader Creating A City For Baristas To Barristers
Bev Craig is the leader of Manchester City Council, a job she describes on her Twitter biog as “running the best city in the world”.She grew up on a council estate just outside Belfast, and it wasn’t the kind of place where you’d be expected to move away and go to university. But as you’ll hear - Bev’s not the kind of person to be pigeonholed. She got involved in politics at a young
Manc 68: Emma Goswell - The Proud Storyteller
Emma Goswell is a broadcaster, podcaster and author who champions the stories of LGBTQ plus people. Her podcast and book, “Coming Out Stories', shines a light on the experiences of 100’s of people of all ages and backgrounds, from all over the world. Emma co-hosted the groundbreaking Gaydio breakfast show in Manchester when the station first went national. She won a Sony award f
Manc 67: Will Lees-Jones - A Brewer and a Legacy Builder
William Lees-Jones took over the family’s brewing company, JW Lees, in 2004 and now owns pubs across the North-West of England and Wales. His forward thinking and proactive approach has earned him a reputation for invoking radical changes within his industry whilst sticking to traditional values and championing the culture that surrounds the local.He recalls the struggle of ensuring the safety of
*Platinum Jubilee Special* Mancunians For The Greater Good
"If you can see the poverty in Greater Manchester or anywhere and not act, I'm worried.” - Vikas Shah MBE
Ahead of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee on Friday 3rd June, we are taking a look back at those, of our guests, who have been recognised for their acts of service to others, to their communities and to causes they hold close to their hearts.
Join us for a special episode in which we wi
Manc 66: Figen Murray - The Mum Putting Forgiveness First
“I’m going to publicly forgive the terrorist who killed Martyn, because anger breeds anger and hate breeds hate - somebody needs to break the cycle.”Figen Murray practises kindness and teaches resilience in an effort to build a safer, united community in which people trust and respect each other. After losing her son, Martyn, in the Manchester Arena attack she gave up her career working as a thera
Manc 65: Bob Riley - The Visionary Violinist Challenging Tradition.
“For us it’s all about the future, it’s about laying down the foundations with new composers and new communities that we can make a difference in, in the future.”Bob Riley came from the “cow pats of East Yorkshire” to the “hustle and bustle of Manchester” after his talents on the violin secured him a place at the Royal Northern College of Music. He has now held the position of Chief Executive at t
Manc 64: Scott Thomas - The Manc Who Is Learning As He Goes
“It was that dark moment that powered me forward - that year I went on to achieve things I never thought were possible.”Scott Thomas, owner of Social PR, Food4Thoughts and his own personal brand, knows the struggle of beating your demons and overcoming difficult times. The desire to reach his full potential has driven him to continually work on himself, both mentally and physically, so that he can
Manc 63: Sally MacDonald - The Manc With A Foot In The Past And The Future
“It’s about creating a new generation of Mancs who believe they can do anything”Can a museum do exactly that? Sally MacDonald is the Director of the Science and Industry Museum, and that’s her aim. Sally learnt about the importance of looking and storytelling through objects, after attending an art class at Manchester Museum as a child. Her passion continued as she studied archaeology and wen
Manc 62: Alan Keegan - The Voice Of Old Trafford
“I'm living the dream - Manchester United fan, boy and man”What’s it like to live your dream? Alan Keegan is otherwise known as “The Voice of Old Trafford”, where he’s the corporate MC and matchday compere. Alan’s family came to Manchester from the west of Ireland in the late 50’s. They settled in Chorlton Upon Medlock, where his mum ran a shop, which was a real hub of the community. W
Manc 61: Dom McGregor - The Fearless Adventurer
“So much of social media was a gold rush”At 28 Dominic McGregor has already sold his first very successful business Social Chain which he co-founded with Dragon Steven Barlett, Dom has now moved into the world of investments with Fearless Adventures. He says he knows what it's like to start a company and face the business world for the first time overwhelmed, so, he is driven by helping first time
Manc 60: Dr Marilyn Comrie OBE - An Innovator in the Goldilocks City
“We’re enabling a city region of tinkerers”Dr Marilyn Comrie OBE is a green tech entrepreneur who is passionate about creating opportunities for young people to thrive. She’s also a leader for diversity and inclusion in the city.As you’ll hear Marilyn believes in following the “golden thread” of life. She’s followed a flow of life which has taken her all over the world and changed he
Manc 59: Dave Haslam - The Curious Curator, DJ and Author
“When I go to a club and the music is great and it’s full of young people I think, this is the next revolution.”Dave Haslam is a legendary Manc, who helped to create the eclectic sound of the Hacienda through his weekly DJ sets during the late 80’s and 90’s and then at iconic Manchester club The Boardwalk. He played for the Hacienda crowds over 480 times and was even the last person to spin
*Special * Stories From The City - The Places
"Manchester had always been glinting on the horizon across the Lancashire plain"
On National Storytelling week, host Lisa Morton brings you some of the best stories about Manchester places, from the We Built This City archives.
You'll hear about iconic Manchester buildings, like Granada studios, Manchester's pubs, like the Dog and Partridge in Didsbury and about the redevelopment of the Norther
*Special* Stories From The City - The People
“You didn’t need music. You could listen to the stories by earwigging”
Manchester poet Argh Kid is one of many guests on We Built This City, to reflect on the fact that Mancunians tell great tales.
As National Storytelling Week approaches, host Lisa Morton brings you some of the best stories about Manchester people, from the We Built This City Archives.
You’ll hear about the famous to th
Manc 58: Dr Kirsty Fairclough - The Queen of Pop Culture with a Purple Reign Over Manchester
“There’s a real sense of collaboration in Manchester that’s quite unique”Dr Kirsty Fairclough is a reader in Screen Studies and Chair of the Manchester Jazz Festival. She’s also on the Music Board for the Greater Manchester Combined Authority - and as you’ll hear in this interview, she oozes Manchester music culture. However, it’s not just the maraca shaking scene of the nineties that
Manc 57 - Siobhan Johnston - Manchester’s Carrie Bradshaw
“If you put it out there, you’ll get it back”Siobhan Johnston is a sales executive for Hits Radio.This episode is a lesson in how to get out of things what you put in and giving everything your all. Siobhan is a big believer in putting your dreams out into the universe to see them realised, she tells Lisa how she went from losing everything to being headhunted by Manchester City to manage The Tunn
*Special* Lead Like a Manc
2021 has really sorted the wheat from the chaff when it comes to those people who lead authentically.
To round up We Built This City for the year, Lisa takes the time to reflect on the wise words of her guests from the past 12 months.
You’ll hear Manchester’s leaders, doers and creators discuss why traits like vulnerability, honesty and humility allow you to create connections; built on trust
Manc 56: David Scott aka Argh Kid - The Manc Who’s Nanna Calls Him Cock
“You don’t need to have super-heroes because there are so many stories you can shine a spotlight on from an ordinary couple sat on the couch.”David Scott - AKA Argh Kid - is the poet who's captured the imagination of Mancunians with his observational work that often celebrates the Manchester dialect. David never expected to get a career in the creative industries when he was growing up. 
* Special Episode * Sir Richard Leese - The Leader Who Built This City
“Cities are about the people who live in them, not the things and the buildings.”
On December 1st Manchester City Council leader, Sir Richard Leese, is stepping down after 25 years. Released on the day he and his colleagues will be gathering to celebrate an incredible tenure, this special episode of We Built This City is reflecting on his career. Lisa Morton shares highlights from their first con
Manc 55: Geraldine Ryan - The Lawyer Who Wears The Trousers
“When given an opportunity, grab with both hands and take it “Commercial Litigator Geraldine Ryan is a born and bred Greater Mancunian (despite her scouse twang!). Having spent her career working across the north west, she’s currently a partner at the International Law firm CMS in Manchester.Geraldine’s family values have served her well in her career. You’ll hear about those, as well
