Greater Manchester's position on the global stage continues to strengthen, with a programme of activity across the United States which is set to showcase our city-region's impressive credentials as a leading European business destination.  

As Manchester prepares for a week in the US, our delegation is set to strengthen our growing relationship across a number of states including Texas, Massachusetts, Indiana and Utah.   

Our presence at SXSW 2025

Our upcoming presence at SXSW 2025 in Austin with the Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham, Manchester City Council Leader Cllr Bev Craig, our Managing Director, Joe Manning and representatives from our Creative, Digital and Tech and Advanced Manufacturing sector is set to build on the current momentum in US market engagement.  

The partnership between Manchester and Austin represents a natural fit between two cities known for innovation, cultural vibrancy, and doing things differently.  

This connection has already produced evident results, with companies such as Cloud Imperium Games choosing Manchester for their UK headquarters after establishing themselves in Austin.  

As well as Cloud Imperium Games, the delegation is set to meet with Austin-based industry leaders, including Dell, AECOM and more, to explore new pathways for collaboration and showcase what Greater Manchester, which has ranked as the top regional city in the UK for inward investment over the last decade, can offer.  

The Wider Texas State: Advanced Manufacturing and Creative, Digital and Tech Connections 

Greater Manchester's creative, digital and tech team is expanding its international partnerships through upcoming missions to Dallas and Austin.  

Greater Manchester's credentials as a technology powerhouse continue to impress US partners, with recent recognition as the UK's most AI-ready city. The sector has seen a remarkable 27% growth over the last decade, exemplified by clusters like MediaCity in Salford, which hosts the UK's main broadcasting companies including BBC, ITV, and Channel 4. 

Our advanced manufacturing team is set to showcase the city-region's manufacturing strengths in Austin. Employing over 114,000 people, the sector has already attracted major manufacturers like Siemens, BAE Systems, Kellogg’s and Bosch, alongside home-grown success stories such as Rolls-Royce and Warburtons. Success stories from the US include AECOM, whose Manchester office continues to strengthen connections with their Austin operations through collaborative projects and knowledge exchange. 

Boston, Indiana, Utah Meets The Life Science Sector 

The life sciences sector is driving further US engagement, with upcoming visits to Boston, Indiana, and Utah, which will focus on innovation in healthcare and nuclear medicine.  

Manchester's Oxford Road Corridor, Europe's largest clinical academic campus, and the £6 billion of ongoing development, including the innovation district Sister, showcase our city-region's commitment to life sciences and healthcare.   

Education and Talent Pipeline 

Manchester's academic strength is a prime reason for US businesses to expand into our city-region with a guaranteed high-quality talent pipeline. With five leading universities producing over 36,000 graduates annually and the highest graduate retention rate in the UK, the city-region offers unparalleled access to talent.  

The upcoming delegation includes representatives from the School of Digital Arts at Manchester Metropolitan University (SODA) and The University of Manchester, underlining the crucial role of educational partnerships and the vital role our educational institutions play in nurturing the talent that makes Manchester a global hub for innovation and creativity. 

Investment Opportunities for US Businesses  

For US businesses looking to expand into UK and European markets, Greater Manchester presents a compelling proposition.  

Our city-region provides access to an extensive talent pool of 7.3 million skilled workers within an hour's reach while hosting the UK's largest fintech cluster outside London, where over 311,000 people are employed across 250 financial services businesses. Companies can benefit from operating costs up to 40% lower than London, along with direct flights to over 200 global destinations, with our ecosystem being supported by a £80 billion economy that continues to grow faster than the UK average. 

Our city-region has already attracted major US companies including JP Morgan, BNY,  Amazon, Microsoft, Google, and more - demonstrating the growing appeal as a business location for US businesses.  

The Future of Greater Manchester  

With a ten-year growth plan targeting £1 billion of investment annually across six Growth Locations, Greater Manchester continues to strengthen its position as one of the top 20 European cities for business investment. 

For US businesses considering their next investment location, Greater Manchester stands out as Europe's most convincing choice.  

If you're interested in learning more about investing in Greater Manchester or would like to meet with the team in the US, please contact our team at info@midas.org.uk.