MIDAS had a highly productive presence at EXPO REAL 2024 in Munich on 7th and 8th October, where Joe Manning, Managing Director of MIDAS, engaged with global business leaders, investors, and key stakeholders to highlight Greater Manchester’s strategic advantages in science, innovation, and real estate. Through a series of high-profile panels and discussions, Joe positioned Greater Manchester as a prime destination for investment, reinforcing the city’s role as a global hub for R&D, innovation, and sustainable growth.
Showcasing Greater Manchester’s R&D Leadership and Innovation Ecosystem
Joe’s first engagement at EXPO REAL was a panel and roundtable discussion at the UK Cities & Partners stand, where he delved into Greater Manchester’s unparalleled strengths in research and development (R&D). The conversation highlighted how the city is contributing to the UK’s globally significant science and innovation ecosystem.
Joe outlined the factors driving this success, including Greater Manchester’s world-renowned universities, industry-leading R&D clusters, and thriving tech and life sciences sectors. The region’s ability to foster innovation has made it an attractive destination for both domestic and international businesses seeking cutting-edge solutions and long-term growth.
International Perspectives on Real Estate Opportunities
In addition to promoting Manchester’s innovation landscape, Joe participated in an international panel titled ‘Real Estate Opportunities in Transforming Regions’. This session, featuring representatives from Business Metropole Ruhr GmbH and Górnośląsko-Zagłębiowska Metropolia (GZM), focused on regional transformation and the evolving global real estate landscape.
Joe shared insights on Manchester’s rapidly growing property market, with a particular focus on the rise of innovation districts and the increasing demand for sustainable urban development. He noted that Greater Manchester’s ability to leverage its R&D and tech sectors is making the city a magnet for investors, particularly in commercial real estate and office space.
Strength in Collaboration: A Unified UK Cities Approach
EXPO REAL also showcased the power of collaboration among the UK’s leading cities. Joe spoke on the UK Investment stage, alongside representatives from Invest Newcastle, Opportunity London, Oxford to Cambridge Pan-Regional Partnership, Invest Bristol & Bath, Invest Liverpool City Region, City of London Corporation, Thames Estuary, and Invest West Midlands UK (West Midlands Growth Company).
Joe emphasised that the combined strength of the UK’s cities presents a compelling case for global investment. By working together, the UK’s regions can offer investors a broader range of opportunities, from real estate to advanced industries, while driving national economic growth.
Engaging with Global Investors and Showcasing Manchester’s Pipeline of Opportunities
Throughout the event, EXPO REAL provided a platform for MIDAS and its partners to engage with a global audience of investors. Joe Manning and the team at MIDAS used this opportunity to spotlight Greater Manchester’s investment pipeline, which spans high-growth sectors such as advanced manufacturing, digital tech, clean energy, and life sciences.
Greater Manchester’s strategic location, combined with its innovative industries and world-class infrastructure, positions the city as a prime destination for businesses looking to scale and innovate. Joe reiterated the city’s commitment to attracting high-quality investments that will drive long-term economic success for both businesses and the region.
A Promising Future for Greater Manchester
Joe Manning’s participation at EXPO REAL 2024 reinforced Greater Manchester’s status as one of the UK’s leading investment destinations, particularly for businesses in science, tech, and innovation sectors. The conversations initiated at the event have laid the groundwork for future collaborations and investment opportunities that will help propel the region’s growth and economic development.
For more information on Greater Manchester’s investment opportunities, you can explore the UK Cities and Partners investment brochure.
Key Takeaways:
- Greater Manchester’s R&D and Innovation Strengths: The city continues to build its reputation as a global leader in science and technology.
- Real Estate Growth: Innovation districts and urban regeneration are driving strong demand in the property market.
- Collaborative UK Cities Approach: A united front from UK regions offers a powerful value proposition to global investors.
- Investment Pipeline: With opportunities across advanced manufacturing, digital tech, life sciences, and more, Greater Manchester remains a top choice for investors seeking growth.
MIDAS looks forward to continuing these important conversations and helping businesses and investors understand why Greater Manchester is the ideal location for their future ambitions. To get in touch, please complete the following form and a member of the team will get back to you.