Greater Manchester is on the move, attracting global investment, leading on sustainability, and showcasing the city region as a place where businesses, talent and innovation thrive. As the BBC’s Faisal Islam writes, “The Mancs are on to something.”
We kicked off February with our annual MIDAS Mixer event at Manchester Central where we brought together businesses and partners to connect and share plans for the year ahead and welcomed businesses new to Greater Manchester.
February saw the city in the international spotlight too. Our Creative, Digital and Technology team travelled to India for the NASSCOM Technology and Leadership Forum in Mumbai, where they engaged with global tech leaders, investors and policymakers, and shared how Greater Manchester is shaping responsible, inclusive AI and digital innovation while building world-class talent pipelines.
Back in the city region, sustainability and climate action took centre stage at the Greater Manchester Green Summit at Co-op Live this week. We were delighted to host an international delegation from 10 countries as part of a 2-day visit for the summit, touring sites and sharing insights into low-carbon innovation, clean energy and sustainable infrastructure in Greater Manchester. Delegates were able to see first-hand how public, private and academic partners are driving the city region’s carbon neutral ambitions and growth.
Our city region’s cultural vibrancy and spirit of collaboration were also on show as the BRIT Awards celebrated the best in British and international music on a Mancunian stage for the first time ever,
Greater Manchester’s Investment Opportunitywas once again in the spotlight at this week’s MIPIM 2026 with the premiere of a new film celebrating the strengths of the city region and recent announcement of a £1bn Good Growth Fund. Featuring 47 businesses and organisations spanning 10 boroughs, filming took place over 14 days with a rigorous post-production process to capture the momentum and pace of its rapidly expanding skyline. Many thanks to Paper Films who worked with Marketing Manchester and Invest Manchester on the production and to each location for providing time (and their people!) for the shoot.
Watch the film here.
Parliament Approves Expansion of Stockport MDC in UK First
UK Parliament has approved the expansion of the Stockport Mayoral Development Corporation, creating a 410-acre regeneration zone that now covers the entire town centre, the first expansion of its kind in the UK. The move will accelerate the delivery of new homes, commercial space and public realm improvements as part of Stockport’s £1bn regeneration programme.
The expanded MDC will help unlock further investment and support the creation of vibrant mixed-use neighbourhoods, reinforcing Greater Manchester’s reputation for delivering large-scale urban transformation and providing high-quality locations for businesses, investors and residents. Covering 370 acres, the MDC will deliver 15,000 new homes, including affordable housing, and create 48,000 local jobs with a total of over 90,000 jobs nationally. It will also support plans for a new world-class Manchester United stadium as part of wider infrastructure and regeneration projects. Once complete, the developments are expected to contribute over £7 billion per year to the UK economy, driving long-term growth, investment and opportunity for residents, businesses and visitors alike.
Read the full plans for the MDC expansion
Platform94 and Sister Strengthen International Collaboration
A new partnership between Platform94 and Sister is strengthening international collaboration between two fast-growing innovation ecosystems in Ireland and Greater Manchester. The Memorandum of Understanding will support start-ups and scale-ups with reciprocal workspace access, market-entry support and knowledge exchange, helping companies expand more easily across both regions.
The agreement reinforces Manchester’s position as the UK’s leading technology hub outside London, creating new opportunities for collaboration across AI, digital technology, health innovation and advanced materials. By strengthening global connections between innovation districts, the partnership will support international investment and enable high-growth companies to scale from Greater Manchester into global markets.
Learn more about the partnership
Greentec Auto Opens New Manchester Facility
US electric and hybrid vehicle battery specialist Greentec Auto has opened a new UK facility in Trafford Park, expanding its operations to support customers across the UK and Europe. The new site will deliver battery remanufacturing, diagnostics and recycling services designed to extend the life of hybrid and electric vehicle batteries and support the transition to low carbon transport.
The investment highlights Greater Manchester’s strengths in advanced manufacturing and clean-growth technologies, with Trafford Park continuing to attract international businesses seeking access to world-class logistics connectivity, skilled talent and a growing low-carbon innovation ecosystem.
Learn more about Greentec’s services
OneTouch Leasing Establishes UK Headquarters in Manchester
Australian fintech company OneTouch Leasing has chosen Manchester as the location for its new UK headquarters, marking the company’s expansion into the UK and European markets. The firm delivers an AI-powered lease accounting platform that helps organisations manage complex reporting requirements, automate lease capture and streamline financial compliance. The investment further strengthens Greater Manchester’s reputation as the UK’s largest Financial, Professional and Business Services hub outside London.
Discover more about OneTouch’s new Manchester HQ
Upcoming Events
India – North England Opportunity Summit @ Manchester, UK 20 March
Festival of Enterprise @ Manchester, UK 20 March
Manchester Tech Week @ Manchester, UK 27 April – 1 May
Mythos Manchester @ Manchester, UK 11 June
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