Comments from Manchester’s bid team in response to the announcement from BIS

John Ashcroft, CEO of Pro Manchester and leader of the Manchester Green Investment Bank bid, said: "We welcome the criteria outlined today by the Department for Business. The timescales are a positive for us, Manchester is more than ready for the Green Investment Bank so a quick decision is favourable for the city.
 
"Our proposals perfectly compliment the refined criteria. There's an emphasis on three key areas, each of which our campaign substantiates; the provision and retention of skilled staff, the context of a relevant local 'ecosystem' and cost effectiveness.
 
"Manchester meets every single one of these with great merit; the wealth of professionals in the city is unrivalled, the existence of organisations like Pro Manchester defines the 'ecosystem' whilst our relationships with property developers means we can also meet the cost effective criteria
 
"We cannot wait to submit our final thoughts in the new year and are relishing the final decision in the spring."