Greater Manchester’s economic development team, Invest Manchester, is keen to connect with creative, digital and technology companies from Dublin that are looking to grow in the UK market.
Manchester offers a compelling base for Irish companies, with operating costs around 30% to 40% lower than London, more than ten daily flights between Dublin and Manchester, and a working-age population of nearly two million people. The city is also home to the UK’s largest regional creative, digital and technology hub, alongside internationally recognised strengths in sectors including financial services, advanced manufacturing and life sciences.
Over the past year, Manchester has supported a number of Irish companies establishing a presence in the UK’s fastest-growing tech ecosystem. Through partnerships with organisations such as Enterprise Ireland and Galway-based Platform94, companies have gained access to scaling support, market connections and opportunities to raise their profile.
Platform94 recently agreed a scaling partnership with Sister, Manchester’s £1.7 billion innovation district, providing Irish companies growing in the UK with access to free city-centre desk space, tailored ecosystem introductions and complimentary event space to support launch activity.
Read more: Galway Hub Partners with Manchester on SME Scaling Space
Invest Manchester provides a free, bespoke service for Irish companies considering Manchester as their UK base. Support includes help with building an internal business case for UK growth, project planning, access to finance, location and talent, as well as longer-term support for further internationalisation into Europe and the United States.
Three fast-growing Irish companies, Galvia, Buymedia and ClubZap, have recently scaled into Manchester.
Read more: Galvia AI Establishes UK Hub in Manchester
John Clancy, CEO of Galvia, said: “Galvia chose Manchester as the hub for our UK business after considering several other locations, but in the end the decision was an easy one. Manchester has a connected tech and business ecosystem like no other in the UK, spearheaded by Invest Manchester. The enthusiasm, support and interest in helping us get established in Manchester was and is superb.”
Read more: Ireland’s Fourth Fastest-Growing Company Launches UK Operations in Manchester
Fergal O’Connor, CEO of Buymedia, said: “Manchester has proven to be the perfect launchpad for Buymedia’s UK expansion. The city’s vibrant tech ecosystem, deep-rooted media industry, and outstanding talent pool make it an ideal home for innovation. With the support of Invest Manchester, we’ve hit the ground running, connecting with forward-thinking businesses eager to harness AI-driven advertising to fuel their growth.”
Aidan Quilligan, CEO of ClubZap, said: “Manchester was an obvious choice for us given the breadth of sporting participation in the region and the passion for grassroots clubs. Throughout our market discovery activities, Manchester has consistently stood out as a vibrant and exciting place to do business, with a particular welcome for Irish companies looking to establish themselves in the UK.”
Dublin businesses interested in exploring Manchester as a base for UK growth can contact Alex Jones at Invest Manchester at alexander.jones@midas.org.uk.