Greater Manchester seeks to boost links with North Carolina

Greater Manchester leaders have embarked on a first-of-its-kind trade mission to boost business and cultural links with the US state of North Carolina.

Mayor Andy Burnham and Greater Manchester Economy Lead Cllr Bev Craig touched down in state capital Raleigh on Thursday 9th March to meet with business groups and political leaders from North Carolina, which boasts a $550 billion economy. North Carolina-based companies already with a presence in the city-region including digital studio Epic Games, manufacturer SPX Corporation, and life sciences firm d-Wise. The state’s largest city, Charlotte (pictured), is the US’ leading financial centre after New York; North Carolina was also named America’s top state for business’ in a study for broadcaster, CNBC.

The trade mission, the first for a UK city-region, follows a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the UK government and North Carolina in July 2022. The agreement aims to streamline trade and investment between UK and North Carolinian businesses, and lay a framework for increased cooperation in areas including clean tech and energy infrastructure. A similar MoU is also in place with the US state of Indiana.

Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, said:

“Greater Manchester is proud to be leading the UK’s first city-region trade mission to North Carolina as part of the deal struck by Government last year. Our city-region has strong ties to the US that run through our shared histories and shape our ambitions for the future, and we want this to be the first step towards stronger cooperation that will unlock real benefits for people and businesses right here in our 10 boroughs.

“Greater Manchester has an important role to play on the world stage, not just for our city-region but for the whole of UK plc. We are the fastest-growing digital and tech hub in Europe. We’re the home of industrial innovation, and we’re energising a fair transition to carbon neutrality by 2038, boosting skills and creating good, green jobs. Our culture, our music, and our sporting heritage are second to none, and their reputation precedes us wherever we go.

“All of these things mean we are in an ideal position to lead the charge for greater collaboration with like-minded partners around the globe. Doing so has the potential to open up many more opportunities for trade, investment and tourism in our-city region that will benefit both the North West and the country as well.”

Cllr Bev Craig, Manchester City Council Leader and Greater Manchester’s Economy Lead, said:

“This mission is a fantastic opportunity to help Greater Manchester make the most of the UK’s new trading relationship with North Carolina. More trade and investment from places like the US helps grow the city-region’s economy, in turn creating jobs and increasing prosperity and opportunity for our people.

“All around the world, Manchester is synonymous with great music and sport and vibrant culture. We also have a key role to play in sectors like digital and tech, and health innovation, where cooperation with global partners is key. Our economic and cultural ties are significant, and we hope to strengthen these while putting our city-region on the global stage.”

During their visit, delegates from Greater Manchester will meet with North Carolina Governor, and take part in trade and investment sessions with local business groups. In Charlotte, the state’s largest city and the second most significant financial centre in the US after New York, the Mayor’s delegation will also meet with Mayor of Charlotte Vi Lyles and leading business executives at a Charlotte FC football match.