Manchester lined up to host major investment summit as London dropped

Manchester is "highly likely" to host the next Global Investment Summit, with the event set to move from London to the northern English city in spring 2027, according to sources. This shift is a further indication of Prime Minister Andy Burnham's commitment to redirecting economic power from London to northern cities, aiming to foster prosperity across England.

Manchester's rapid urban growth and £100 billion economy make it an attractive choice, with its infrastructure capable of accommodating business leaders. The summit, originally planned for December in London, has been delayed to put regional growth at the forefront of government policy. Greater Manchester has been the UK's fastest-growing city region since 2015, and a Cambridge University study has described Manchester as the most productive large English city outside London.

The city's conference facilities, top hotels, and thriving universities, coupled with Manchester Airport's direct international connections, including five flights daily to the UAE, further solidify its suitability as a host. While Birmingham, Leeds, and Newcastle are also potential candidates, the political momentum appears to be with Manchester.

This choice carries significant symbolic value for Burnham, who previously served as mayor and established "No 10 North" as a new base for economic and devolution policy. However, some business figures have criticized the move, questioning whether relocating the summit outside London might be perceived as performative and whether global chief executives would be willing to travel to Manchester.

Despite the criticism, Manchester's supporters argue that its infrastructure makes it capable of hosting a global business gathering, and the government has confirmed the move, stating that any future announcements will be made as usual.