The Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, delivered the keynote speech, mentioning concrete implementation measures of the ‘levelling up’ agenda and new opportunities for Swiss-UK cross border partnerships. There is great potential with Greater Manchester expanding as a Research & Innovation hub in fields with a strong Swiss presence such as the digital and tech sectors and advanced manufacturing.

A number of Swiss companies are investing in Greater Manchester. This includes the laboratory equipment supplier Endress + Hauser and the energy smart meter manufacturer Landis+Gyr, both highly innovative companies in the area of reliable measurements who presented at the event. Hilti, who hosted the event at their new premises in Manchester, gave a preview of their new innovative products and system solutions coming out this summer.

All three companies have a substantial footprint in the Greater Manchester area and invest in skills, training facilities and vocational training as part of the Swiss DNA. Switzerland and the UK are amongst the top five most innovative countries in the world. We are strong partners and we are keen to facilitate productive business relationships between our two countries that can drive future innovation and growth.

As the BSCC pointed out, it could be the start of a new chapter in Swiss-UK relations and for the Swiss and British business community in the North of England.