There was a time when conversations about data centred on storage, analytics and infrastructure. Today, they’re just as likely to focus on AI governance, data sovereignty, ethics and trust.

For organisations operating across multiple markets or in regulated industries, these are no longer future challenges – they’re shaping strategic decisions today. The question isn’t simply what can we do with our data? It’s about how we innovate responsibly while maintaining the confidence of customers, regulators and stakeholders.

It’s a topic we hear time and again through the Manchester Digital community.

One of the greatest benefits of being part of a connected technology ecosystem is the opportunity to explore these challenges alongside people approaching them from different perspectives. Some of the most valuable conversations happen when enterprise businesses, scale-ups, technology leaders and regulators come together to openly share experiences, challenge assumptions and discuss the questions they don’t yet have all the answers to.

Recently, we brought together leaders from the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), AJ Bell, The Insights Family and Hedgehog Lab for one of our Tech Leader Talks exploring The Power and Peril of Data. The discussion moved beyond compliance to examine how organisations can embrace innovation while building trust into every stage of the data lifecycle.

One insight particularly resonated. As Holly Chatton, Head of Data & Governance at AJ Bell, explained:
“Trust isn’t built through tech – it’s built through how we use it. Ethics, privacy and regulation are our foundation, and we earn trust by being clear, careful and accountable as our capabilities grow.”

The conversation also explored data sovereignty – an issue becoming increasingly important as organisations adopt AI while operating across international markets. Questions around where data is stored, who controls it, and how organisations navigate different regulatory environments are moving from technical considerations to board-level priorities. Justin Doran, Head of Data Management at the ICO, also highlighted the collaborative work taking place to make UK digital regulation more accessible, helping organisations innovate with greater confidence.

These conversations reinforce something we see every day at Manchester Digital: the organisations making the greatest progress aren’t trying to solve every challenge alone. They’re learning from peers, sharing experiences across sectors and building relationships that help them navigate change more confidently.
That’s why we bring together the region’s technology community through leadership roundtables, knowledge-sharing events, conferences and peer networks. Whether you’re tackling AI adoption, strengthening data governance, exploring new technologies, or building your data capability, there’s immense value in hearing how others approach the same challenges.

We’re delighted to be partnering with Data Decoded this October because it reflects exactly what our community is about – bringing brilliant people together to exchange ideas, challenge thinking and shape what’s next for data and AI.

If you’re attending, I’d love to meet you. Whether you’re looking to raise your organisation’s profile, connect with peers, share your expertise or simply become part of the conversations shaping our sector, please come and say hello.

You can also connect with me on LinkedIn or explore the Manchester Digital community at www.manchesterdigital.com. I’d be delighted to introduce you to the people, events and opportunities that could help you and your organisation thrive.

Article by Kate Wilson, Head of Membership & Community, Manchester Digital