About us
š Welcome to TechRise MCR ā Manchesterās Meetup for Techies!
Weāre more than just a meetup group; weāre a thriving community designed to support tech professionals beyond the technical talk. Now under the guidance of our new organisers Emily and Luke, after originally being founded by Parul Singh in January 2023
ā¤ļø Our Vision
At TechRise MCR, weāre dedicated to elevating careers in tech by fostering personal development, soft skills, and inclusivity. Weāre not just a D&I meetup, but inclusivity is at the core of our events, ensuring everyone feels comfortable, safe, and supported. We offer a full event schedule, cater to all dietary needs, provide guidance to our venue, and create spaces where everyone can be their authentic selves. We do not tolerate any form of harassment or discrimination.
š¤ What to Expect
We host a variety of engaging events, including lightning talks, panels, workshops, and group discussions, all aimed at creating opportunities for growth. Each event features speakers new to public speaking, promoting confidence and providing a platform for fresh voices in the community.
Location and Schedule
Our quarterly in-person events are held at venues all around Manchester, we're conscientious to always provide a central and fully accessible venue. We ensure plenty of breakout spaces for those who need a quiet environment.
ššŗ Food and Drinks
Enjoy a wide selection of food and drinks at our events, including pizza, beer, and a variety of soft drinks, gluten-free options, and alcohol-free beverages.
We take pride in supporting local businesses, and will provide locally owned and operated sustenance choices where possible (budget allowing!)
How can I get involved?
There's a few ways you can get involved:
- Join the group and share it with your network!
- If you'd like to put yourself forward to speak, please get in touch
See you soon!
Featured event
TechRise #5 - Finding Your Feet in a Changing Tech Industry
Hello! Welcome back!
We are thrilled to announce the next instalment of TechRise MCR meetup, taking place on Thursday, November 26th 2026.
This time, our theme is on Navigating Change in Tech.
As we all know, the tech industry is changing rapidly, from the growing impact of AI on how we work and the skills employers need, to redundancies and an increasingly uncertain job market.
With so much shifting, it can be difficult to know how to navigate your career, where your skills fit, and where you belong in an industry that never stands still.
For this meetup, weāre bringing Manchesterās tech community together to talk honestly about these changes and what they mean for our careers and wellbeing.
Weāll hear first-hand about navigating redundancy, explore how to look after yourself when things feel uncertain, and share practical advice on recognising your strengths, communicating your value and standing out to employers in a changing tech market.
Whether youāve recently been made redundant, are looking for your next opportunity, or are wondering how changes in technology might affect your future career, we hope youāll leave with practical advice you can put into action, more confidence as you approach your next chapter, and new connections across Manchesterās tech community.
What to expect:
- Real experiences: An honest look at navigating redundancy, the challenges it brings and finding a way forward.
- Mental health and wellbeing: Practical ways to look after yourself, manage uncertainty and protect your confidence during periods of change.
- Finding your next move: Ideas for recognising your strengths, communicating your value and standing out in a changing tech market by building your brand.
Thereāll be time for questions after each talk, as well as opportunities to connect with others across Manchesterās tech community throughout the evening.
This event is taking place at Forward Role, 4th Floor Croxley House, 14 Lloyd Street, M2 5ND. (accessible)
Event Schedule:
- 6 PM: Doors open, with food and networking
- 6:30pm: Talk 1 - Luke Chaplin: Navigating Tech Redundancy
- 7:00pm: Talk 2 - Nadia Johnson: Ctrl + Alt + Adapt: Surviving the AI Workplace Revolution
- 7:30pm: Talk 3 - Amelia Bampton: Finding Your Voice - A Guide to Discovering Your Unique Personal Brand (Without the Ick)
- After the talks: Informal networking, followed by post-event drinks at The Old Nags Head (@oldnagsheadmcr)
(Please note that the timings are estimates and the event may run slightly longer)
Our speakers:
About Luke
Luke is one of the TechRise MCR co-organisers and a career changer who entered the world of tech after a 13 year career in the pharmaceutical industry, where he managed website design and delivery, as well as online marketing campaigns.
After deciding to pursue his interest in tech, he completed a coding bootcamp in early 2022 and became the first person to join Nimble Approachās software engineering academy.
Since then, heās worked across a range of tech stacks and platforms, including AI and data, supporting projects across industries such as education, finance, telecommunications, social care and healthcare, as well as the public sector, including the Department for Education and HMRC.
He is currently a Data Engineer at Made Tech.
About Nadia:
Nadia Johnson is an award winning engineering leader with over a decade of experience spanning Defence, EdTech, HealthTech, Automotive and soon to be FinTech/E-commerce.
Starting her career as a software engineering degree apprentice, Nadia has progressed into senior engineering leadership, building and scaling high performing teams across the globe. Passionate about people, technology and creating opportunities for the next generation, sheās a strong advocate for inclusive engineering cultures, mentorship and proving thereās no single route to success in tech.
Outside of engineering, Nadia swaps technical challenges for mountain bike trails and the organised chaos of life with three dogs, although sheās yet to decide which requires better leadership skills!
About Amelia:
Amelia Bampton is a leader in technology delivery.
Her career has seen her working for both in-house technology teams at FTSE 100 companies and also global consultancies. Amelia has delivered large-scale, customer-centric tech solutions for companies in numerous industries. She is passionate about helping people find a career that lights them up each day and an advocate for driving greater inclusion in technology.
Providing her support through mentoring and thought leadership to break down the barriers of entry into the industry. Amelia is founder of the CĀ² āCoffee & Collaborationā, co-work and networking club and founder of Career Boost Club, creating programmes and events where people can develop themselves and career in a mindful and fulfilling approach.
A Special Thanks to Our Sponsor: Forward Role. A thank you for their support of the Manchester tech community.
Upcoming events
1
TechRise #5 - Finding Your Feet in a Changing Tech Industry
Forward Role, 4th Floor, Croxley House, 14 Lloyd Street, Manchester, GBHello! Welcome back!
We are thrilled to announce the next instalment of TechRise MCR meetup, taking place on Thursday, November 26th 2026.
This time, our theme is on Navigating Change in Tech.
As we all know, the tech industry is changing rapidly, from the growing impact of AI on how we work and the skills employers need, to redundancies and an increasingly uncertain job market.
With so much shifting, it can be difficult to know how to navigate your career, where your skills fit, and where you belong in an industry that never stands still.
For this meetup, weāre bringing Manchesterās tech community together to talk honestly about these changes and what they mean for our careers and wellbeing.
Weāll hear first-hand about navigating redundancy, explore how to look after yourself when things feel uncertain, and share practical advice on recognising your strengths, communicating your value and standing out to employers in a changing tech market.
Whether youāve recently been made redundant, are looking for your next opportunity, or are wondering how changes in technology might affect your future career, we hope youāll leave with practical advice you can put into action, more confidence as you approach your next chapter, and new connections across Manchesterās tech community.
What to expect:
- Real experiences: An honest look at navigating redundancy, the challenges it brings and finding a way forward.
- Mental health and wellbeing: Practical ways to look after yourself, manage uncertainty and protect your confidence during periods of change.
- Finding your next move: Ideas for recognising your strengths, communicating your value and standing out in a changing tech market by building your brand.
Thereāll be time for questions after each talk, as well as opportunities to connect with others across Manchesterās tech community throughout the evening.
This event is taking place at Forward Role, 4th Floor Croxley House, 14 Lloyd Street, M2 5ND. (accessible)
Event Schedule:
- 6 PM: Doors open, with food and networking
- 6:30pm: Talk 1 - Luke Chaplin: Navigating Tech Redundancy
- 7:00pm: Talk 2 - Nadia Johnson: Ctrl + Alt + Adapt: Surviving the AI Workplace Revolution
- 7:30pm: Talk 3 - Amelia Bampton: Finding Your Voice - A Guide to Discovering Your Unique Personal Brand (Without the Ick)
- After the talks: Informal networking, followed by post-event drinks at The Old Nags Head (@oldnagsheadmcr)
(Please note that the timings are estimates and the event may run slightly longer)
Our speakers:
About Luke
Luke is one of the TechRise MCR co-organisers and a career changer who entered the world of tech after a 13 year career in the pharmaceutical industry, where he managed website design and delivery, as well as online marketing campaigns.
After deciding to pursue his interest in tech, he completed a coding bootcamp in early 2022 and became the first person to join Nimble Approachās software engineering academy.
Since then, heās worked across a range of tech stacks and platforms, including AI and data, supporting projects across industries such as education, finance, telecommunications, social care and healthcare, as well as the public sector, including the Department for Education and HMRC.
He is currently a Data Engineer at Made Tech.
About Nadia:
Nadia Johnson is an award winning engineering leader with over a decade of experience spanning Defence, EdTech, HealthTech, Automotive and soon to be FinTech/E-commerce.
Starting her career as a software engineering degree apprentice, Nadia has progressed into senior engineering leadership, building and scaling high performing teams across the globe. Passionate about people, technology and creating opportunities for the next generation, sheās a strong advocate for inclusive engineering cultures, mentorship and proving thereās no single route to success in tech.
Outside of engineering, Nadia swaps technical challenges for mountain bike trails and the organised chaos of life with three dogs, although sheās yet to decide which requires better leadership skills!
About Amelia:
Amelia Bampton is a leader in technology delivery.
Her career has seen her working for both in-house technology teams at FTSE 100 companies and also global consultancies. Amelia has delivered large-scale, customer-centric tech solutions for companies in numerous industries. She is passionate about helping people find a career that lights them up each day and an advocate for driving greater inclusion in technology.
Providing her support through mentoring and thought leadership to break down the barriers of entry into the industry. Amelia is founder of the CĀ² āCoffee & Collaborationā, co-work and networking club and founder of Career Boost Club, creating programmes and events where people can develop themselves and career in a mindful and fulfilling approach.
A Special Thanks to Our Sponsor: Forward Role. A thank you for their support of the Manchester tech community.
33 attendees
Past events
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