Powered by People.
Guided by Purpose.
Manchester’s Inward Investment Agency
Invest Manchester, formerly known as MIDAS, is the inward investment promotion agency for Greater Manchester. Our role is simple but powerful: to attract new investment to the city region and help create and safeguard jobs.
We do this by telling Greater Manchester’s story to the world – championing its strengths, opportunities and ambition – and by providing free hands-on, practical support to businesses looking to relocate or expand here. From global corporates to high-growth SMEs, Invest Manchester has helped hundreds of companies successfully establish and scale their presence in Greater Manchester.
With deep local knowledge, global reach and a strong network across the public and private sectors, we help businesses move with confidence and succeed faster.
What we do
Invest Manchester provides a freeand confidential package of tailored support, designed around the needs of each individual business. Our services save companies time, money and effort, helping to reduce risk and accelerate decision-making.
By giving you access to expert insight and local intelligence, we help you build a robust investment case and navigate the market with clarity.
Our support is available to UK and international businesses of all sizes that are considering relocating to, or expanding within, Greater Manchester, and includes:
- Investment case development, including market intelligence and research
- Sourcing and evaluating property and location options
- International market support
- Advice on recruitment, skills and training
- Introductions to key networks, suppliers, agencies and education providers
- Guidance on understanding and accessing market opportunities
Our role doesn’t stop at the point of decision. We continue to support businesses as they land, grow and embed themselves in the region.
Meet the Invest Manchester Management Team
Powered by people. Driven by insight. And focused on your success.
Joe Manning
Managing Director
David Hilton
Business Development Director
Meet our Specialist Advisors
Rooted in insight. Driven by experience. And here to help.
- Get in Touch
Andrea Winders
Head of Sector, Life Sciences - Get in Touch
Andrew Toolan
Head of Sector, Financial Professional Business Services - Get in Touch
Audrey Peers
Head of Strategic Partnerships - Get in Touch
Joseph Beaden
Head of Sector, Creative, Digital and Technology - Get in Touch
Maria Acastenco
Head of Sector, National Security and Defence - Get in Touch
Mark Shepherd
Business Development Manager, Low Carbon - Get in Touch
Rachel Eyre
Head of Sector, Advanced Manufacturing and Low Carbon
How Invest Manchester is run
Invest Manchester is wholly owned by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, our majority funder and the strategic body responsible for driving economic growth across the city region.
Since 2017, our work has been further strengthened through the Invest Manchester Partnership – a public-private collaboration that brings together senior leaders from across Greater Manchester’s business community.
Invest Manchester also forms part of The Growth Company, which supports the growth and prosperity of Greater Manchester by raising the region’s profile, attracting investment, generating new business, supporting existing companies to grow, and helping people develop skills and access employment opportunities.
International Partnerships
To deepen international connections, Invest Manchester hosts two special purpose vehicles:
- Manchester China Forum
- Manchester India Partnership
These partnerships play a vital role in strengthening business, cultural and tourism relationships between Greater Manchester and China and India, supporting long-term collaboration and investment between regions.
In Partnership With
Sector Expertise
Manchester isn’t just a great UK city, it’s a globally connected powerhouse.
Advanced materials & manufacturing
Home to global leaders in sustainable packaging, technical textiles, surfaces and coatings, composites and light alloy, the city is driving the next industrial revolution.
Creative & media
Greater Manchester is the UK’s leading creative and media cluster outside London, with a £5bn ecosystem where world-class creativity collides with advanced technology.
Financial, professional & business services
Greater Manchester is home to the largest financial, professional and business services (FPBS) sector outside London, contributing 20% of the local economy.
Life sciences & health innovation
Greater Manchester is one of the UK’s leading life sciences regions, combining world-class clinical research, real-world data excellence and a uniquely connected health and innovation ecosystem.
Low carbon
Greater Manchester is fast-tracking to carbon neutrality by 2038, creating major opportunities in clean energy, hydrogen, batteries and smart systems within a live urban testbed for scalable low carbon innovation.
Digital, cyber & AI
With world-class businesses, a deep tech talent pool and strong industry collaboration, Greater Manchester is a city region where digital ideas scale globally.
Work with us
If you’re considering moving your business to Greater Manchester, or expanding your operations here, our team is ready to help.
Get in touch today to find out how Invest Manchester can support your investment journey.
You can also keep up to date with our work and the latest investment news by following us on LinkedIn.
