Manchester Connect: Australia-UK Business Landscape Panel Discussion

07 October 2025

“London is not the UK.” That message rang loud and clear at our Manchester Connect: Australia–UK Business Landscape Panel Discussion, held at KPMG’s Manchester office.

The event brought together leading voices including Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, Councillor Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council & GMCA Portfolio Lead for Economy, Business & International, Australian High Commissioner to the UK Stephen Smith, Senior Trade & Investment Commissioner to United Kingdom and Ireland, at the Australian Trade & Investment Commission David Camerlengo and business leaders Elizabeth Vega OBE (Informed Solutions), Matt Jackson (KPMG), and Daniel Sheridan (Duo Consulting) for an insightful conversation on Manchester’s growing role as a hub for Australian investment and innovation.

From world-class universities and thriving digital industries to a culture that feels instantly familiar to Australians, our panellists explored why Greater Manchester is fast becoming the destination of choice for firms expanding into the UK.

A huge thank you to our co-host KPMG and lead sponsor Informed Solutions for their support, and to all our speakers, guests, and partners for joining us as we continue to strengthen business connections beyond London - championing regional growth and collaboration across the UK.

Explore the highlights from the event below.