In October, NorthEdge hosted its 13th Annual Investor Meeting in Manchester, bringing together global institutional investors and entrepreneurs leading high growth companies from the UK regions.
The event is an opportunity for the firm to update its investors on performance and key achievements; as well as share key objectives for the next twelve months.
Investors joined from the US, Australia, Europe and the UK; with six of NorthEdge’s portfolio companies presenting on the day – showcasing the value and growth they have delivered, as well as the strong employment opportunities they have created, across the UK regions.
NorthEdge focussed on how their investment strategy is highly aligned to national initiatives, including the Industrial Strategy and Devolution; and why they believe the regional market presents a significant opportunity for growth.
The Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, and MIDAS, Manchester’s inward investment agency, also joined NorthEdge to share their perspective on why there has never been a better time to invest in Manchester, following the publication of The Greater Manchester Strategy; why the regions are key drivers of economic growth; and the role that private capital can play in supporting the public sector to achieve its ambitions.
Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham said: “Since Greater Manchester signed the first devolution deal a decade ago we’ve become the fastest growing regional economy in the UK and we’re beginning to close the productivity gap with London. It’s a huge achievement, but I believe the next decade will be even better. 2025 to 2035 represents a huge opportunity for Greater Manchester. We will be a key driver of the UK’s growth opportunity and it’s great to see firms like NorthEdge backing that ambition. Investment in our businesses means more good jobs for local people and greater opportunities for people across our city region.”
Joe Manning, Managing Director at MIDAS, added: “Greater Manchester’s investment opportunity is stronger than ever. As the UK’s fastest-growing economy with a 10-year investment pipeline of major projects across key sectors, there are significant opportunities for private capital to support growth. NorthEdge’s Annual Investor Meeting brought together global investors from the US, Australia, Europe and the UK, demonstrating their commitment to Greater Manchester and supporting our ambitions for the city region.”
NorthEdge also shared the results of their latest economic and social impact report – further demonstrating their positive contribution across the UK regions and the productivity gains that can be delivered through private capital partnering with entrepreneurs. In 2024, as well as creating financial value, NorthEdge and its portfolio had a significant impact on economic and social development across the UK, contributing £656 million of GVA and supporting almost 10,000 jobs (FTEs). c.70% of this impact was generated in the UK regions outside of London and the South East. In addition, 31% of the employees across the NorthEdge portfolio live in the 30% most deprived areas in the UK – meaning the firm is creating well-paid work in places where unemployment rates are typically two or more times the national average and incomes are around half.
The event highlighted that the investment opportunity in the regions has never been more compelling for the public and private sector; offering significant potential to deliver growth, value and impact through building better businesses.
