New opportunities, partnerships and recognition are putting Greater Manchester in the spotlight, both at home and internationally. The announcement that Manchester will host the G20 Leaders’ Summit in 2027, further reinforces the city’s international standing and reputation.
This month, the city region is preparing for its first mayoral mission to India since 2019, with a senior delegation travelling to the country to strengthen ties and explore new opportunities for trade, investment and collaboration.
Back at home, together with Marketing Manchester we’ve launched Home of Everything, a new film celebrating the people, businesses and ideas behind Greater Manchester’s creative industries, as the start of a year-long programme which will take that story to audiences across the UK and overseas.
There has also been strong recognition for the city region in several recent business rankings. Manchester was named one of five European Cities to Watch in the 2026 Oxford Economics Global Cities Index, Greater Manchester rose to third among the UK’s most attractive locations for foreign direct investment, and Salford topped GoDaddy’s entrepreneurial cities ranking.
Across the Atlantic, we took part in discussions about the future of financial services at Sibos 2026. Head of Financial and Professional Business Services, Andrew Toolan shares his perspective on why Manchester’s AI and cyber talent matters to the banking sector, here.
Greater Manchester’s international connections continue to grow too. Riyadh Air has launched a new three times a week direct service between Manchester and Riyadh, strengthening links with Saudi Arabia.
Manchester’s Sister has formed a new cross-border partnership with Dublin’s Guinness Enterprise Centre, helping start-ups enter new markets through shared workspace, market-entry support and access to networks in both cities.
Keep scrolling to discover more of the latest investment, partnerships and business news from across Greater Manchester.
Virtualware grows UK presence with Manchester acquisition
Spanish immersive technology company Virtualware has acquired Manchester-based Virtalis and plans to grow its UK operations from the city. The deal brings together expertise in enterprise 3D, extended reality, simulation and digital twins, with further jobs and partnerships planned across sectors including defence, aerospace, transport, energy and education.
Greater Manchester puts creative industries in the spotlight
Home of Everything is a year-long programme showcasing Greater Manchester’s creative industries to international audiences. More than 100,000 people work across screen, music, gaming, advertising, fashion and creative technology, making the city region Europe’s largest creative cluster outside London.
BRIT Awards brings £5m boost to Manchester
The first BRIT Awards held outside London generated £5m in additional spending, £3.45m in GVA and 15,497 days of employment in Manchester.
Fashion Britain launches in Manchester
Manchester has been chosen as one of eight cities to host Fashion Britain, a British Fashion Council programme opening up new routes into the industry.
Greater Manchester sets out plans for MIPIM 2027
Greater Manchester has begun preparations for MIPIM 2027, which takes place in Cannes from 16–19 March. Public and private sector partners will take a new pipeline of housing, regeneration and innovation projects to the event, putting the city region’s next wave of growth in front of international investors.
Weir Mill completion marks milestone for Stockport
CyanLines marks first anniversary with new projects
Work starts on Trafford Waters’ first high-rise
Construction is underway on The Anchor Residency, a 208-home apartment scheme beside the Manchester Ship Canal. Its two buildings will rise to eight and 13 storeys, making it the first high-rise residential development at Trafford Waters, where plans include up to 3,000 homes alongside shops, offices and public spaces.
Upcoming Events
Regen 2026 @Manchester, UK I 15 October
Defence Procurement & Supply Chain Summit @Manchester, UK I 22 October
Marketing Manchesterism at scale @Manchester, UK I 22 October
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