Good Things Foundation, Autotrader and GMCA unite for landmark digital inclusion push

Good Things spearheaded the initiative as part of our mission to build a society where everyone can participate in the digital world. The partnership brings together regional leadership, national expertise and private sector insight to develop a UK-first five year plan for affordable digital access.

The partnership builds on a commitment made by Greater Manchester Mayor, Andy Burnham, in October last year to address digital exclusion across the region, reflecting a shared determination to translate that ambition into practical, long-term action.

The project, which will also involve academic research input from Professor Simeon Yates at the University of Liverpool, will develop a clear and coordinated pathway towards lasting change - strengthening Greater Manchester’s position as a leading region tackling digital exclusion, and helping generate learnings that can benefit communities across the UK.

Building the foundations for lasting action

The initiative will begin with a focused six-month programme of exploration and engagement across Greater Manchester, bringing together organisations from across sectors to better understand the most persistent barriers to digital inclusion and identify sustainable solutions. The work will generate practical insight to inform Greater Manchester’s long term digital inclusion approach, while identifying learning that could benefit other regions across the UK.

GMCA's involvement will ensure the programme generates region-specific outputs that inform long-term action. The focused exploration will build a robust lived-experience evidence base on digital affordability and skills needs, helping create a shared view of sustainable solutions and a clear framework for coordinated investment across Greater Manchester.

Councillor Nick Peel, Leader of Bolton Council and GMCA Lead for Digital, said:

“Digital technology and skills underpin access to jobs, education, healthcare and essential public services, yet too many people across Greater Manchester are still excluded because digital access remains unaffordable or out of reach.

 “Digital inclusion is fundamental to our ambition to create a thriving city region where everyone can live a good life. By working together through this programme, we can remove barriers to access and develop a more long term, evidence-led approach that helps communities across Greater Manchester benefit from a digitally enabled region.”

Greater Manchester is already recognised for its collaborative leadership on digital inclusion. This work builds on an established regional partnership between GMCA and Good Things, which has supported significant progress in improving access to connectivity, devices and digital skills support.

Together, we have already delivered:

• Community access: more than 640 National Digital Inclusion Network Hubs and 360 National Databank Hubs established across Greater Manchester.
• Devices and connectivity: Over free 1,500 devices and 56,000 free SIM cards distributed between April 2022 and January 2026.
• Skills and confidence: More than 7,500 people supported through the free digital skills platform Learn My Way.

Despite this progress, digital exclusion remains a significant challenge. GMCA’s most recent Index of Digital Inclusion (IDI) survey found that half of respondents experience at least one barrier or vulnerability affecting full digital participation.

Affordability continues to play a major role. Just over one in four Greater Manchester residents (25%) live within the 10% most deprived areas nationally, with Manchester ranked as the fourth most deprived local authority in England.

Source: GMCA IMD Report.

Working across sectors

Good Things will lead the programme, drawing on our national expertise in digital inclusion and working with partners across government, business, the voluntary sector, and academia to support research and analysis. GMCA will convene stakeholders across local authorities, housing providers and community organisations to ensure the work reflects regional priorities and supports coordinated action.

Autotrader, a FTSE listed company headquartered in Manchester, has previously supported digital inclusion through contributions to the Greater Manchester Tech Fund, and will now contribute commercial insight and help explore sustainable, long-term approaches to improving affordable digital access.

Christos Tsaprounis, People & Culture Director at Autotrader, said:

“Through our partnership with Good Things Foundation and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, we are excited to unite expertise, insight and local leadership to better understand the barriers to digital inclusion across our communities. At Autotrader we are committed to exploring sustainable, long-term solutions that widen access to digital tools and skills, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to participate fully in society and enrich their lives."

James Muscat-Sharp, Director of Partnerships at Good Things Foundation, said:

“Digital technology is essential for access to jobs, health, and public services. However, digital exclusion - lacking affordable connectivity, devices, skills, or support - is a significant challenge in the UK, particularly in Greater Manchester. As services move online, this exclusion makes everyday life harder and deepens the disadvantage for those offline. Greater Manchester has set a bold ambition - and rightly so. To achieve it, we need a clear understanding of where the barriers sit and how they can be addressed sustainably. This programme brings together partners across sectors to build a shared evidence base and develop practical approaches capable of delivering permanent change.” 

Professor Simeon Yates, University of Liverpool, said: 

"Addressing digital exclusion effectively requires a robust, evidence-based approach. Our research will provide the necessary data and academic rigor to ensure this five-year plan is built on solid foundations, leading to sustainable and impactful change for Greater Manchester residents."