Sir Howard Bernstein calls on new government to support Manchester projects

The chief executive of Manchester City Council, Sir Howard Bernstein, issued a message of post-Brexit confidence this week.

Speaking at a global agency conference hosted by estate agent Knight Frank, the city leader said Manchester would be looking to secure continued support from the new UK government in the wake of the recent EU referendum.

He said: “The overriding requirement now is to communicate the message that Manchester remains open for business.

“We have a range of opportunities that remain highly attractive to the investment community and part of our job is to ensure these are fully grasped.”

He added: “The advent of a new government will be important as will what, if any, changes are to be made to fiscal and economic management policies.”

Sir Howard said the Government can help by continuing to show support for big projects such as Transport for the North and HS2.

Speaking further, the chief executive explained: “I also believe that the case for greater devolution will become even stronger - reforming our public services is crucial to promoting greater levels of economic inclusion so that all residents can share in the benefits of economic success.”

Manchester is also seeing first hand how devolution in health and social care, according to Sir Howard, is stimulating “significant interest” from international firms that see the potential “for changes in healthcare and securing better population health outcomes”.

The head of Knight Frank’s office in Manchester, David Porter, is confident Manchester will be able to maintain its position on the world stage.

He commented: “It is clear from the reaction of my colleagues from around the world that Manchester has a place on the global stage and needs to continue the successful strategy of public/private partnership which has led to strong economic growth in the city region.

“Occupiers are looking for stability – a point highlighted in our most recent research ‘Disruption = Demand’ and increasingly cities that offer quality of life and connectivity as well as stability and leadership will be the place where businesses relocate.”