About Coral Grainger
I love solving problems. My career has focused on connecting people, institutions and resources to improve places and deliver inclusive economic growth.
Over 30 years, I’ve worked across local government, regional economic development, the private sector and further and higher education, designing and leading programmes that connect businesses, educators and public sector organisations to drive productivity, innovation and regeneration.
My experience includes leading economic development programmes across the North West, managing Single Regeneration Budget investments, supporting regional growth through the NWDA, and serving as Head of Talent and Skills at Tech North, strengthening the digital talent pipeline across seven northern city regions.
More recently, I conceived and led the Greater Manchester Further Education Innovation Programme, engaging over 2,000 businesses and establishing a nationally recognised model for FE-led innovation. I also co-authored The Innovation Literacy Programme, now accredited and completed by over 600 apprentices across 22 FE institutions in England, Scotland and Wales, with a Certified Educator Programme enabling further scale and impact.
I make things happen and thrive on developing innovative projects and partnerships that deliver lasting economic and social impact.
Specialisms
Inclusive economic growth and place-based innovation
Cross-sector partnership and employer engagement
Innovation ecosystem design and intermediary development
Further and higher education strategy and employer engagement
Digital skills and tech talent supply
Programme design, management and funding strategy
Fellowships and recognition
Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts (FRSA), recognised for contribution to economic development
Fellow of the Institute of Place Management (FIPM)
Co-author, Springer (2025): 'Reaching the Parts Others Cannot: Embedding Further Education in the English Innovation Ecosystem for Inclusive Growth and Place-Based Innovation'