Greater Manchester secures technology partnerships during Japan trade mission

Greater Manchester has agreed new partnerships with technology firms during a trade mission to Japan spearheaded by city-region leaders.

Japanese technology group, Fujitsu, has signed an new exploratory partnership agreement with Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester and Cllr Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council and Greater Manchester Lead for Economy, Business, and Inclusive Growth that will support the development of Greater Manchester’s Investment Zone. The deal was signed during a meeting at Fujitsu’s Tokyo headquarters on 8th December, where city-region leaders met with Chief Technology Officer at Fujitsu, Vivek Mahajan (pictured, with Mayor Andy Burnham and Cllr Bev Craig).

Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, said:

“Partnering with Fujitsu is a massive boost for Greater Manchester’s Investment Zone just weeks after its announcement. The Investment Zone is an exciting programme that gives us the opportunity to attract private sector partners who can help deliver the ambition for Greater Manchester to be a global hub for the advanced manufacturing and materials sector.

“The agreement also serves as a further demonstration of the value of our trade mission to Japan, working to build a partnership with a global technology company, whose support will directly help Greater Manchester businesses. By supporting the growth of those businesses, we can deliver more jobs and opportunities to people across our city-region.”

Cllr Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council and Greater Manchester Lead for Economy, Business, and Inclusive Growth, said:

“Our city-region has had links with Fujitsu for over 75 years, going back to the collaboration between the company and the University of Manchester to develop early computer systems. Today, we’re proud that Fujitsu’s Manchester office is a major hub for its UK business.  

“This partnership agreement will see us continue to work together for years to come. Fujitsu’s technologies can help Greater Manchester manufacturers become more efficient, sustainable and profitable, supporting our Investment Zone vision and the growth of our advanced manufacturing and materials sector.”

Vivek Mahajan, Chief Technology Officer at Fujitsu, said:

“This agreement offers an exciting chance to explore how we can use Fujitsu’s strengths in technologies like artificial intelligence to address challenges unique to the manufacturing industry and encourage innovative solutions to problems facing the community. We look forward to working together to identify ways to support the sustainable growth and development of Greater Manchester business.”

City-region leaders also agreed to sign a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with SSE Energy Solutions during a visit to the company’s Japanese arm, SSE Pacifico. Under the agreement SSE Energy Solutions will work the GMCA to explore ways to accelerate the delivery of renewable energy assets through the use of cutting-edge digital infrastructure solutions in Greater Manchester. The deal follows a previous agreement with manufacturer, Daikin, and will further support more Greater Manchester households to install air source heat pumps.

Neil Kirkby, Managing Director at SSE Energy Solutions, said:

“At SSE we want to become the leading net zero infrastructure advisor to both local government and local businesses and this MoU with the Greater Manchester Combined Authority is a key example of our ambitions to achieve this.

“We believe strongly in a just and fair transition to net zero and our new Social Value strategy will drive that forward. Decarbonising the country presents opportunities to support communities with regeneration, economic investment, and the creation of sustainable, long-term jobs.”

Iain Bevan, Commercial Manager for Daikin UK, said:

“At Daikin we have almost 100 years of experience in heat pump technology and are a leading player in the European heat pump heating market. We are committed to leading energy for change and are excited to be playing a key role in the decarbonisation of Greater Manchester and the wider UK.”