In the fast-paced world of business, keeping up-to-date with digital trends, attending workshops and conferences, and networking with like-minded folk could give you a competitive edge.

Here’s our guide to eight upcoming, business development events in Manchester:

1. Business Growth Hub’s #DigitalThursdays – ongoing

The Business Growth Hub is a great resource for SMEs. You can find a wealth of information on their website and also get face-to-face advice at one of their drop-in sessions at Manchester’s Central Library. On Thursdays the focus is digital and you can get one-to-one support in using online technology.

Book your place here.

2. How to become a more confident networker – June 17th

Networking is invaluable for businesses, but the skills needed to be effective at it don’t come naturally to everybody. Thankfully, they can be learnt! This workshop will teach you how to create a memorable first impression, how to overcome confidence issues and how to be a successful networker.

Tickets here.

3. 20 free online tools for startups and SMEs – June 17th

If you’re just getting set up with your new venture, this one-hour class – also at Central Library – highlights 20 of the most useful online tools to help grow your business in the most effective way.

Tickets here.

4. YouTube Business Channel Seminar – June 18th

You may have Twitter and LinkedIn covered, but another great tool for companies of all sizes is to create a compelling YouTube business channel. The platform is the second biggest search engine after Google, so a great way to showcase products, services and news. Learn how to get started on this half-day seminar.

Tickets here.

5. Neuro Business – June 24-25th

Aimed at business leaders, HR professionals and management staff, this two-day conference explains how leading research into neuroscience can be applied to the workplace to bolster employee potential. As well as keynote speakers, the event also features workshops on leadership, engagement and coaching.

Tickets here.

6. Ladies that UX – June 24th

Mancunian women interested in or involved in the field of User Experience (UX), join the local chapter of Ladies that UX at their next meet-up. While this session is the chance to natter with like-minded folk at Allotment Bar in the city centre, other events often include organised talks and classes for career development.

Tickets here.

7. SheSaysMCR – June 25th

Learn from inspirational women who are doing social good here in Manchester. Speakers on the night include Rebecca Rae – Strategy and Insight Lead at Reason Digital and named as one of the ‘Top 30 women under 30’ – and Tamsin Chislett, employee at ClearlySo, which helps charities and high-impact businesses get much-needed funding. Guys are welcome also!

Tickets here.

8. Intermediate WordPress at MadLab

If you’ve already got a basic grasp of WordPress and now want to know how to take it to the next level, this is the course for you. It’s taught by the co-founder of the system, so you can guarantee that you’re going to learn some pretty neat tips and tricks, including how to improve the look of your site, making sure it’s secure and all about useful tools and plugins.

Tickets here.