Michael Taylor
Journalist, Podcaster, Politico
Michael Taylor is one of the most recognisable voices of the Northern business community. Fascinated by music and fashion, and deeply engaged with politics, Michael weaves together stories that go beyond industry and bring lessons for all from unexpected places.
Biography
Michael Taylor is a journalist and broadcaster with decades of experience hosting, speaking and interviewing on stage. Currently editor of TheBusinessDesk.com, Michael’s broad passions and deep curiosity have given him incredible connections, and a wealth of stories from which to draw.
Michael has written fiction, hosted radio shows, run for parliament, co-created think tanks and discussion forums, and today co-hosts of one of the UK’s fastest-growing news and politics podcasts.
Michael Taylor has a high public profile derived from his many interests and projects. As editor of one of the leading online business titles, TheBusinessDesk.com, Michael is already invited into events and boardrooms across industry and politics. But he is also co-host of Northern Spin, the highly regarded politics podcast, which has its own reach and influence. And he has been a frequent guest on local and national radio.
Michael formerly co-hosted Music Therapy, a music radio show, giving another dimension to his profile. And he was one of the founders of DISCUSS, a debating forum designed to stimulate intellectual curiosity and discourse, attracting The Guardian as a media partner.
Michael has a lifelong engagement with politics, helping to set up the MetroPolis think tank at Manchester Metropolitan University, completing an MSc in Political Networks and handling relations with government ministers, local MPs, and Greater Manchester’s first elected Mayor. He became the Labour parliamentary candidate for the 2015 General Election in Hazel Grove, recording the party’s highest ever vote and share in that constituency.
As a consultant, speaker and host, Michael has worked with a huge range of organisations. He led a long term project on the future of accountancy practices for the ICAEW, and worked with the investment bank Seneca, KPMG, JMW Solicitors, Intuit (Quick Books), Downtown in Business, Daisy Group, and the Prince’s Trust. He also hosted the stakeholder roadshow to launch the GrowthAccelerator service in October 2012 in 8 English cities.
Speaking
Michael connects business, politics and culture in every talk.
Hosting
Michael is an experienced host and interviewer, helping everyone to tell their story.
Broadcast
Michael is a practised on-air performer and insightful analyst.
Topics
Michael is most frequently asked to host events but also has some excellent keynote topics that are very relevant to a business, media, and broader audience. These include:
Bad Business
Criminality and corruption in the business world, and why it is on all of us to tackle it
The Future of Journalism
How we keep the fourth estate, and why we must.
Devolution
The success (and otherwise) of Metro Mayors.
Publications
Michael’s debut novel - 40 by 40 - was published in 2015, a comic novel set amidst the financial crisis of 2008.
What do you get when you book Michael to speak?
Michael is most commonly asked to keynote but he is happy to chair panels or interview other speakers on stage, while he is at the event.
Michael is an experienced speaker with an audience of his own who is happy to work with you to help you promote your event.
This can include:
Pre-event video
Co-operation in pre-event PR and media interviews
Contributed articles for event blogs or programmes
Promotion on social media
Feedback
“Michael can deliver a speech to cynical industry professionals that is well researched, full of relevance and highly engaging and that will have them nodding in agreement and laughing out loud.”
Adrienne Lawler, Television presenter/broadcaster
“Having previously played host at a number of pro-manchester events Michael certainly didn’t disappoint at a recent creative pro-manchester roundtable discussion. The discussion was fast paced, energetic and covered a lot of hot topics thanks to the confident directive approach of Michael as chairperson.”
Sam Booth. Programme Manager, Creative pro.manchester
“Michael has been a very valuable supporter of Creative ProManchester and has chaired a number of panel debates for us - without his insight and skill they wouldn't have been successful. He's also one of the region's leading business journalists, and hasn't lost his edge when it comes to getting a real opinion into a story or keeping up with new technology. Highly recommended.”
Steve Kuncewicz, Director & Board Member, pro.manchester
“Michael has a long track record as someone who understands Manchester's business community, its concerns and its ambitions. He has established himself as someone who recognises achievements and innovation and celebrates success but is also prepared to ask challenging questions and we look forward to resuming our working relationship with him.”
Sir Howard Bernstein, chief executive, Manchester City Council, 1996-2016
“Michael Taylor's characteristic panache, wit and flair for presenting made him the perfect Chair for the Medicash Fit for Business Conference. His skillful handling of debate, ability to inject humour and energy in all the right places coupled with all round superb delivery meant the day went seamlessly with all the delegates gripped throughout. Thank you Michael!”
Sam Booth. Programme Manager, Creative pro.manchester
“Michael has been a supporter of Young Enterprise for some years, volunteering his time to judge our North West Company of the year competition and last year as host of the event itself at the Concorde Suite. Michael has a real skill in not only engaging but truly connecting with a varied audience, in this case of young people, volunteers, schools and a variety of business supporters. Underneath that steely business journalist beats a heart of an individual who is passionately committed to showcasing and nurturing young entrepreneurial talent within the North West. An individual who is both proactive and creative in providing opportunity breaks for young people, who puts his commitment to supporting young talent to shine into action on a regular basis.”
Sharon Davies, Director, Young Enterprise
