Manchester means business

Manchester will be demonstrating its business prowess and showing movers and shakers in London it’s not a poor relation, but a city to be taken seriously.

Members of pro·manchester, the city’s financial and professional services body, will be meeting their London counterparts for a delegation on 31 March to prove London isn’t the only financial powerhouse in the UK.

Led by city strategist and chief executive of pro manchester, Daniel Charles Mouawad, 50 leading professionals from Manchester will enjoy a full business itinerary, including a reception at Mansion House and afternoon at the House of Commons hosted by Graham Stringer MP.

Delegates represent a host of Manchester’s top firms, such as Baker Tilly, Cobbetts LLP, MIDAS, Sheppard Robson, Pannone LLP, DWF, Ernst & Young and Pinsent Masons.

Despite London’s reputation as the epicentre of the professional services world, the city can still learn lessons from Manchester.

Now experiencing a phenomenal rate of regeneration, Manchester boasts international significance with the creation of mediacity:uk – set to rival Saragossa and Dubai as a media hotbed.

Said Mouawad: “The city’s size, buoyant economy and down to earth charm makes for a thriving networking scene with well nurtured business relationships. Although the business population in London is denser, there is less of an inclination to get to know colleagues in other firms and more of a competitive and sometimes hostile edge to the business scene.”

Having played an instrumental role in the development of the Docklands, Mouawad has drawn on his experience of the economic model in London to encourage the recognition of Greater Manchester as a city region.

Citing Manchester as the biggest economic force outside London, Mouawad is a firm believer in city-regionalism and the abandonment of legislative boundaries.

Said Mouawad: “With a booming economy of £47 billion, Manchester’s business sector is not to be underestimated - nor should it be written off as a more parochial ‘understudy’ to London, which invariably dominates the UK business market.

“Indeed, London based firms have a lot to gain from forging strong working relationships with Manchester companies. It can only add value to their business and open up a wealth of opportunity.”

Graham Stringer MP said: “Manchester is second only to London when it comes to the size and expertise of its finance and professional services sector and I am happy to support this very worthy initiative by pro manchester”

Added Mouawad: “When Londoners come to Manchester they are always surprised by just how aesthetically impressive it is and by the professional networking infrastructure."

“The concentration of professional service firms, the drive for excellence and the potential harnessed by this city demonstrates Manchester isn’t just a contender, it’s a major player on the national and international circuit.”