Mike Perls MBE is founder and CEO of MC2, the strategic marketing agency based in Manchester and San Francisco dealing with brands around the world. Since 1999, he has taken MC2 from a two-man start-up to one of the largest independents in its sector. Its clients include governments, city regions, global corporates and high-growth businesses.

Mike sits on the Board of Governors at Manchester Metropolitan University as well as being a Visiting Professor of Marketing. He is driven to make a positive difference to the communities he lives and works in. He champions social mobility and entrepreneurship at every level. He has spearheaded a number of celebrated charity initiatives in Manchester including Business Heavyweights and Funny Business, is a board member of cancer charity Maggie’s, a patron of the Factory Youth Zone and heavily involved in the Homeless agenda through his work with the Booth Centre.

Mike has four children, a dog and two cats. He is an ironman, triathlete, cyclist, runner, United season ticket holder and rugby coach. Time is his scarcest resource.