Manchester lined up to host major investment summit as London dropped

Manchester is poised to host the next Global Investment Summit, potentially moving from London to the northern English city in spring 2027, according to sources. This shift is a testament to Prime Minister Andy Burnham's ambition to redirect economic power from London to northern cities, fostering prosperity throughout England. A political insider told The National that Manchester's "rapid urban development" makes it a "highly likely" candidate, though Downing Street has not yet announced the venue.

The move is viewed as part of "Manchesterism," highlighting the political power and wealth moving away from central government in London. Originally scheduled for December, the summit was postponed to spring to prioritize regional growth. Greater Manchester boasts the UK's fastest growth since 2015, with a £100 billion economy, and its infrastructure can accommodate business leaders.

The city's airport offers international connections, while London can be reached by rail in under two hours. Manchester also features major conference facilities, top hotels, thriving universities, and a strong tech and life sciences base. Although Birmingham, Leeds, and Newcastle are potential contenders, political momentum in favor of Manchester is strong.

The summit aims to showcase investment opportunities across Britain, making Manchester and its surroundings an appealing destination. Manchester Central Convention Complex is another established venue capable of hosting major conferences. Locally, this choice carries political significance for Burnham, who previously served as mayor and established "No 10 North" as a new economic and devolution policy base.

Burnham has pledged to work at "No 10 North" regularly and declared decisions about Britain's economic future should no longer be confined to Westminster. However, the move has sparked criticism from some business figures who question whether relocating a summit outside London could be perceived as performative or if global business leaders would be willing to travel north.