Get to know Debbie Black, IoD Manchester Chair

Debbie, a commercial lawyer who routinely acts for directors and shareholders, says: “I’m in business myself and I appreciate that any membership organisation must deliver value to create member engagement.

“My vision for Greater Manchester members is a business community that is useful, relevant and enjoyable. A common theme when speaking to members is a desire to share or benefit from business information, knowledge and experience. We have that in our membership in abundance and we need to capitalise on this.”

The Manchester branch has 300 members drawn from across the Greater Manchester area, with numbers growing. A key element of Debbie’s vision is to expand the branch committee to make it as representative as possible. She is inviting IoD members to join the committee.

“I’m interested in adding another two directors to our six-strong committee and would like the new members to reflect the diversity of the membership, says Debbie. “If you are thinking about this, it might help you to know that meetings are focused and membership of the committee does not require a significant time commitment.

“We are making great progress but, with a couple more committee members on board, we can do even better. So, if you are an IoD member located in Greater Manchester and you are interested in joining Manchester Committee, please reach out to me.”

Central to the creation of this Greater Manchester community is the new member hub located at Clockwise Manchester at Linley House in the city centre.

Debbie describes the hub as “a fantastic addition to our membership offer. It provides drop-in space where members can work, meet, and get a bite to eat in the Clockwise Cafe.

In 2025 we will be capitalising on the hub to hold monthly in person events to support our members and the wider SME market.”

Debbie’s plans include staging quality, valuable events for members where they can connect, learn and share. Events focused on the AI landscape and a business breakfast with Greater Manchester Mayor, Andy Burnham, have already been well received with plenty planned for the rest of 2024 and into 2025. They include a Masterclass in Networking for young and aspiring directors on 10 October 2024.

“It is important that members feedback and tell me what they need from their committee; I also need members to communicate what they need from local government,” says Debbie, who sits on the Greater Manchester Business Representatives Organisation, a key part of the IoD’s ability to feed into decision-making at local level.

Debbie adds: “My vision is wholly aligned with the IoD’s reputation for providing high quality practical support to members through connection, collaboration and community.”

Debbie Black is the founder of DGB Solicitors which specialises in advising directors and shareholders in private companies on key commercial documents, creating good governance, infrastructure and practical policies. With more than 30 years’ experience as a litigator, Debbie also assists with dispute resolution and avoidance.

Members interested in joining Manchester Committee can contact Debbie via LinkedIn.