From local heroes to global changemakers, you're in the right place if you’re looking for a motivational speaker in Manchester, UK. Manchester is a city alive with creativity, resilience, and a strong sense of community. The Manchester worker bee, an emblem of the city for over 150 years, perfectly captures Mancunians’ hard work ethic and Manchester's status as a hive of activity. First chosen in 1842, the bee represents industriousness and unity — a spirit that flows through the city’s history and continues to inspire today. If you were to walk through Manchester, you’d find this symbol everywhere, from historic architecture to street art, each bee honouring the collective strength that defines the city. 

Motivational Speakers in Manchester

Whether looking tio upskill your business leaders effectively lead teams, develop an entreperunial mindset or mark a diversity and inlcusion initiative, our Manchester motivational and keynote speakers are ready to meet any challenge. Keep reading to meet some of your local legends.

Sharon Amesu

Sharon Amesu is a dynamic speaker whose expertise in inclusive leadership and workplace culture has made her a sought-after voice on generational challenges in leadership. Drawing from her background as a barrister and leadership consultant, Sharon’s insights into allyship and team development resonate across industries. Her ability to connect with audiences through storytelling and actionable advice ensures she leaves a lasting impact.

PepTalk Fact: Sharon was recognised as a Northern Power Woman in 2020 for her commitment to advancing women in leadership 💡

⮕ Learn more and book Sharon Amesu as a speaker

Martina Witter

Martina Witter specialises in equipping leaders with resilience and wellbeing strategies, making her an ideal choice for generational leadership discussions. Her expertise in mental health and diversity ensures she provides actionable insights to help organisations thrive in a multi-generational workforce. Martina’s engaging style and ability to address both individual and team resilience make her a highly impactful speaker.

PepTalk Fact: Martina’s podcast, Rivers to Resilience, has featured resilience stories that have inspired thousands of listeners worldwide 🌊

⮕ Learn more and book Martina Witter as a speaker

Steve Rawling

Steve Rawling brings 30 years of storytelling expertise, helping leaders communicate effectively across generations. Known for his Storyteller Tactics cards, Steve offers practical tools to enhance narrative skills in leadership. His engaging and humorous style ensures that audiences not only learn but leave inspired to lead with purpose.

PepTalk Fact: Steve has crafted over 20,000 stories in his career, helping companies like Google and Rolls Royce communicate better 📖

⮕ Learn more and book Steve Rawling as a speaker

Shaun Wane

Shaun Wane is a no-nonsense leader whose story of resilience makes him an exceptional choice for generational leadership talks. Drawing on his success as Head Coach of the England Rugby League team, Shaun shares lessons on teamwork, discipline, and overcoming adversity. His journey from a tough upbringing to international acclaim is deeply inspiring.

PepTalk Fact: Shaun led England to a historic 3-0 test series win against Tonga in 2023 🏉

⮕ Learn more and book Shaun Wane as a speaker

Best Motivational Speakers in Manchester

Darren Burns

Darren Burns brings a wealth of experience in diversity and inclusion, particularly through his groundbreaking work with the Timpson Foundation. By creating meaningful pathways for ex-offenders and marginalised groups into employment, Darren demonstrates the transformative power of inclusive hiring practices. His inspiring story and hands-on approach to leadership make him a standout choice for addressing the challenges and opportunities of generational leadership.

PepTalk Fact: Darren has helped Timpson become one of the UK’s most inclusive employers by building partnerships with over 80 prisons nationwide 🛠️

⮕ Learn more and book Darren Burns as a speaker

Rangan Chatterjee

Dr Rangan Chatterjee empowers leaders to create healthier, more balanced lives, fostering resilience and clarity across generations. With his holistic approach to health and lifestyle medicine, Rangan provides actionable steps to improve mental and physical wellbeing. His expertise makes him a perfect fit for addressing the wellness needs of diverse teams.

PepTalk Fact: Rangan’s podcast, Feel Better, Live More, has been downloaded over 35 million times 🎧

⮕ Learn more and book Dr Rangan Chatterjee as a speaker

Natalie Gumede

Natalie Gumede combines her rich acting career with a passion for diversity advocacy, making her a compelling voice for generational leadership. Known for her work on iconic shows like Coronation Street and Doctor Who, Natalie weaves her experiences into lessons on resilience and self-motivation. Her passion for mentoring and inclusivity adds depth to her speaking engagements.

PepTalk Fact: Natalie has hosted the Women And Diversity in Law Awards, showcasing her ability to inspire diverse audiences 🎭

⮕ Learn more and book Natalie Gumede as a speaker

Liv Nixon

Liv Nixon uses her journey from personal tragedy to healthcare advocacy to inspire audiences on generational leadership. Through her This Girl KAM podcast, Liv highlights inspiring women in the pharmaceutical industry, offering actionable insights on resilience and innovation. Her candid and heartfelt storytelling resonates with audiences across sectors.

PepTalk Fact: Liv’s This Girl KAM podcast amplifies the voices of women transforming healthcare 💊

⮕ Learn more and book Liv Nixon as a speaker

Manchester Celebrity Speakers: Hometown Heroes

Mancunians are proud of their people, and this list of celebrity speakers reflects the journey from local legends to global icons.

  • Noel Gallagher: Musician, songwriter, and lead guitarist of Oasis.
  • Liam Gallagher: Musician and lead singer of Oasis.
  • Ian Brown: Lead singer of The Stone Roses and solo artist.
  • Maxine Peake: Acclaimed actress known for Shameless and Silk.
  • Mark Radcliffe: Radio DJ, music journalist, and author.
  • Jason Manford: Comedian, actor, and presenter.
  • John Thomson: Comedian and actor, best known for Cold Feet.
  • Marcus Rashford: Professional footballer for Manchester United and the England national team, and a prominent activist for child food poverty.
  • Phil Foden: Professional footballer for Manchester City and the England national team.
  • Raheem Sterling: Professional footballer raised in Manchester, now playing for Chelsea and the England national team.

These Manchester-born speakers embody the city's rich culture, creativity, and resilience, making them inspiring choices for events. Book a Manchester motivational speaker today, email hello@getapeptalk.com. We can also help with corporatw comedians and event hosts — making it a one-stop shop!

Top Event Venues Manchester

Manchester boasts a diverse array of venues suitable for events, exhibitions, and conferences. Here are some of the top venues in the city:

Manchester Central
A premier convention complex offering flexible spaces for conferences, exhibitions, and events. Its central location and historic architecture make it a popular choice for large-scale gatherings.

The Lowry
Situated in Salford Quays, The Lowry is a renowned arts centre featuring theatres, galleries, and event spaces. It hosts a variety of performances and exhibitions, making it ideal for cultural events.

Manchester Arena (AO Arena)
One of the largest indoor arenas in the UK, accommodating up to 21,000 attendees. It's a prime venue for concerts, sporting events, and large conferences.

Bridgewater Hall
A modern concert venue that is known for its exceptional acoustics, hosting classical concerts, conferences, and corporate events. Its contemporary design adds a touch of elegance to any occasion.

Victoria Warehouse
A unique industrial venue offering versatile spaces for exhibitions, conferences, and live events. Its distinctive character provides a memorable backdrop for various functions.

HOME Manchester
An arts centre featuring theatres, cinemas, and gallery spaces. HOME hosts a range of cultural events, including film screenings, theatre productions, and exhibitions.

The Monastery Manchester
A Grade II* listed former Franciscan monastery, now restored as a venue for conferences, weddings, and events. Its stunning architecture offers a unique setting for special occasions.

The Principal Manchester
A historic hotel with grand event spaces, ideal for conferences, weddings, and social gatherings. Its central location and elegant interiors make it a preferred choice for many.

Emirates Old Trafford
Home to Lancashire Cricket Club, this venue offers extensive conference and event facilities, including large suites and meeting rooms, suitable for corporate events and exhibitions.

A stunning view of the Old Trafford Manchester events centre

Manchester Speaker Agency FAQs

How do I book a keynote or motivational speaker in Manchester?

Booking a keynote or motivational speaker in Manchester is straightforward. Start by identifying your event's theme, audience, and objectives. Browse reputable speaker agencies like PepTalk or directories, or contact a speaker you’re interested in. Once you've found the right speaker, discuss availability, fees, and any customisation needed for their presentation. Many agencies handle the logistics, including contracts, schedules, and technical requirements, making the process seamless. Contact us for recommendations or assistance in securing the perfect speaker for your event. PepTalk is here to guide you through every step of the process.

What do keynote or motivational speakers in Manchester cost?

The cost of keynote or motivational speakers in Manchester varies based on factors like the speaker's experience, reputation, and the event's duration. Fees can range from a few thousand to tens of thousands, with additional considerations like travel and accommodation. Booking a local speaker in Manchester may help reduce extra expenses. For a tailored quote and guidance on finding a Manchester speaker within your budget, feel free to contact us. That said, we can also book and coordiante a speaker for you from almost any corner of the planet!

Are there additional costs besides the speaker's fee, such as travel or accommodation?

One of the advantages of booking a local motivational speaker in Manchester is that accommodation and travel fees may be reduced or even eliminated, depending on the speaker's proximity to the event location.

Can I get advice or recommendations for speakers that match my Manchester event theme or topic?

Absolutely! We’ve got loads of experience in helping clients with their Manchester team event or conference, and happy to share our knowledge. Whether you’re looking to inspire a corporate team, a community group, or a conference audience, Manchester’s speakers bring unique perspectives that resonate deeply with this vibrant, historic city, carrying forward its legacy of ambition, perseverance, and solidarity.

💡 Are you looking for a Manchester keynote speaker? Let us know, and we’ll find the perfect PepTalk expert for your organisation. Email us at hello@getapeptalk.com or send us a message via the chat. You can also call us on +44 20 3835 2929 (UK). Remember, it’s always a good time to get a PepTalk!

Culture Calendar

Success favours the prepared. That’s why we’ve compiled a free calendar of awareness days and weeks to support your business.

From health and wellbeing to culture and DEI, adding the calendar will keep you on the pulse of what’s happening and ahead of the game. Plus, it works across all platforms.

Culture Calendar