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We're excited to launch our second episode of Manchester Tech Journey — a brand-new interview series hosted by our Manchester Director, Michael Collins.

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Each episode will feature inspirational individuals from across the tech world, sharing their journeys, lessons, and insights into building successful careers and businesses in tech.

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In our second episode of "Manchester Tech Journey: Insights with Paul Heath, Head of Data at Classic Football Company Ltd," we dive into the dynamism and evolution of Manchester’s tech scene through the lens of Paul Heath’s remarkable career. As Head of Data at Classic Football Shirts, a beloved Manchester-based business revered by football fans, Paul offers a unique vantage point on how thoughtful leadership, curiosity, and community spirit drive both personal and regional tech advancements.

Paul’s journey is anything but conventional. He candidly describes his early aspirations of becoming an accountant and how an affinity for numbers, process, and business structure ultimately led him into the realm of data and technology. It was through meticulous reporting roles, hands-on experience with business data warehouses, and a deepening curiosity that he found his passion solidified propelling him from accountancy into consultancy with industry giants such as Microsoft, SAP, and Oracle.

Paul’s advice resonates throughout the episode: “Don’t run before you can walk. It’s a journey, not a race.” He emphasises that everyone’s path is personal and non-linear, shaped by both triumphs and setbacks. For him, learning from mistakes and remaining “curious” has been essential not only for professional growth but for effective leadership. Having held various technical and people-focused roles, Paul believes that being a good leader means mentoring, building strong relationships, and creating an environment where growth is encouraged and mistakes are viewed as learning opportunities.

Turning the conversation to Manchester itself, Paul reflects on his decade-long involvement in the city’s tech community. The transformation he’s witnessed from flat skylines to thriving business districts and expanding tech companies, speaks volumes about the city’s resilience and adaptability. Paul highlights the unique “community spirit” that defines Manchester’s tech ecosystem, where collaboration and knowledge-sharing set it apart from other tech hubs like London or abroad. For Paul, the warmth, openness, and drive of Manchester’s people make it the ultimate destination for ambitious technologists.

Looking to the future, Paul is excited about the pervasive impact of AI and emerging shifts within cloud technology, trends that promise to further accelerate Manchester’s momentum as a leader in tech innovation. He urges those considering a move to Manchester’s tech scene to “do it,” pointing to unparalleled job opportunities, vibrant culture, and a sense of belonging for all who join.

This episode is a treasure trove of wisdom for aspiring Heads of Data and seasoned tech veterans alike underscoring that Manchester’s continued success is powered by authentic leadership, diversity of thought, and a community always eager to help each other thrive.

If you are looking for a recruitment partner who can help you navigate through the tech scene in Manchester, contact iO Associates today by clicking here.