Manchester’s corporate competition

  Manchester has its work cut out in fending off increasing competition for investment and as a low-cost corporate destination.   And it must urgently address the demands for a talent pool robust enough to support emerging sectors.   The economic prospects of the city and its surrounding regions were revealed in a compelling debate at the Estates Gazette North West Question Time.   Estates Gazette kicked off the second series of its road show at The Lowry in Salford Quays, amid the cutting-edge backdrop of MediaCity UK.   The five-strong panel, with EG editor Damian Wild chairing, included Tom Bloxham, chairman of Urban Splash; Pete Bradshaw, head of infrastructure at Manchester City FC; Alice Webb, chief operating officer of BBC North, Patrick Joynson, head of Savills’ Manchester office, and Ruairidh Jackson, strategy and development director at NOMA (The Co-operative).    Joynson revealed competition for business headquarters was coming from Amsterdam and Dublin, while Bradshaw urged businesses to be more demanding of the education sector in filling the skills gap.   Between football-related jibes, fervent United fan Bloxham said companies native to the North West should be nurtured, while Webb warned against Manchester becoming a “fortress”. Finally, Jackson declared: “We’re open for lending”.   In all, it was a frank and compelling discussion.   The Question Time event was sponsored by Savills.   Watch the news report below for highlights of the event, or listen to the podcast for the debate in its entirety. You can also download the podcast by clicking here, or head to Estates Gazette’s iTunes channel.           rebecca.kent@estatesgazette.com