Unlocking growth for specialist international occupiers

With the recently published Industrial Strategy and focused sector plans bolstering regional economic development, we at Carter Jonas are more confident than ever of our potential to help international businesses land and expand in the ideal locations.

Regional opportunity is the topic of this interview with Matt Lee, National Head of Science and Technology and Commercial Lead for the North West, and Harry Bolton and Andy Cowan, in Carter Jonas’ North West Planning and Development team, based in Manchester. As the discussion shows, successfully supporting companies in determining a new location is not just about property agency expertise, but is achieved through insight into the client’s specific sector, an overview of opportunities that exist across the UK and, very importantly, specific local knowledge.

Our discussion demonstrates how Carter Jonas’ newest office, in Manchester, is already supporting clients in this way across the North West region, including Pioneer Group at Hexagon Tower, Sciontec at Paddington Village and Net World Sports in Wrexham.

A smarter way to relocate

When companies look to invest in the UK, the decision doesn’t end there. “Many international business owners initially think of the UK as a single investment destination,” says Matt. “But the reality is far more nuanced. The country offers huge regional diversity, in terms of research, workforce and sector strengths. To make the right decision, you need a joined-up view of the occupier’s business and the opportunities across the country.”

While many advisors approach inward investment solely through a real estate lens, Carter Jonas takes a different approach. The key, Matt says, “Is to really understand the sector – its pressures, its talent requirements, its growth plans – and then offer location advice accordingly. It’s a dual approach: global in ambition, local in understanding.”

It’s a strategy that’s increasingly timely. The government’s recent Industrial Strategy and funding commitments make this a critical moment for companies to enter or expand in the UK – particularly in the North West.

Why the North West?

As a focal point for Carter Jonas’ work with commercial occupiers, the North West exemplifies the UK’s regional potential.

Harry explains: “The North West – particularly Manchester and Liverpool – offers real advantages to businesses. The academic ecosystem is exceptional. The University of Manchester is globally renowned in materials science, AI and quantum computing, while Manchester Met is building strength in digital skills and the creative industries. In Liverpool, we’ve got major capability in diagnostics, vaccines, material technology and precision medicine, led by the University of Liverpool and Liverpool John Moores University.”

This feeds directly into sectoral growth. Health innovation, clean energy, advanced manufacturing and digital infrastructure are all thriving, and attracting funding accordingly.

“Manchester’s Oxford Road Corridor is a perfect example,” says Harry. “It connects university research with NHS hospitals, global pharma and science parks – it’s an innovation district on a national scale. In Liverpool, the Knowledge Quarter and Science Park are delivering similar momentum in healthtech, vaccines and diagnostics.”

Connectivity is another major selling point. Manchester Airport connects to over 200 international destinations. Liverpool also benefits from an airport, and the port is a key Atlantic gateway. Furthermore, rail upgrades – including the TransPennine Route Upgrade – are boosting east-west links.

Crucially, the cost base is also attractive. “Compared to the South East, you’re looking at significantly lower operating costs,” Harry says. “Add in high quality of life and it becomes clear why international businesses are looking beyond the M25.”

The impact of devolution

One of the factors enabling the region’s rise is devolution.

“Devolution has allowed cities including Manchester and Liverpool to take a more strategic and tailored approach,” says Andy. “It’s about so much more than governance: it’s about being able to align planning, transport and regeneration in a way that supports long-term growth.”

Andy points to Places for Everyone. “City regions are using devolved powers to unlock stalled sites, support housing and employment growth, and prioritise investment in their economic clusters.”

Transport devolution is another game-changer. “From the local Bee Network to its international airport, Manchester is connecting both local communities and the wider world to opportunities. It gives the Combined Authority and local authorities opportunity to direct investment to their priority areas, enabling further growth and unlocking development potential,” Andy notes.

Trailblazing neighbourhoods and the mix that makes growth happen

Andy goes on to explain that benefits extend far beyond the city centre. “In June, the government announced 25 ‘trailblazer’ neighbourhoods across the UK, including several in the North West:

Speke East in Liverpool, Benchill South and Wythenshawe Central in Manchester, Birkenhead Central in Wirral, Bootle South in Sefton and Pendleton in Salford are each set to receive up to £20 million over the next decade.”

This matters, Harry agrees, because good growth isn’t just about jobs. “You can’t attract businesses without homes, and you can’t retain talent without neighbourhoods that people want to live in. Both Manchester and Liverpool now perform well in retention of students. With the trailblazing neighbourhoods’ support, this is set to improve.”

Industrial Strategy, a focused plan for strategic growth

The recently published Industrial Strategy is designed to turbocharge this kind of place-based investment, with a focus on key sectors.

“The focus on IS-8 sectors – advanced manufacturing, creative industries, clean energy industries, digital and technologies, professional and business services, life sciences, and financial services – aligns directly with where Carter Jonas is seeing occupier demand,” says Matt. “It starts with a change in policy but it’s the creation of an entire ecosystem that enables innovation and growth to prosper.”

New government tools such as the £600 million Strategic Sites Accelerator and the £500 million Mayoral Recyclable Growth Fund will play a major role. “These give local leaders the ability to invest in sites that attract high-growth occupiers,” Harry says. “It’s about strategic deployment of capital to create the conditions where businesses can thrive.”

And, as Harry says, Carter Jonas is uniquely placed to help. “We’re not just identifying sites. By combining Matt’s expertise with the extensive experience of the Planning & Development team, we offer an unrivalled understanding of businesses’ requirements and an ability to assist in responding to these requirements.”

Making the most of the next wave of devolution

With a new round of devolution deals currently in the pipeline, Andy sees further opportunity ahead.

“With the English Devolution Bill due to be published shortly, local authorities across the country will benefit from further devolution and the establishment of Mayoral-led combined authorities,” he says. “It means more powers over transport, housing, regeneration and skills, and with that comes the potential for more targeted support for business relocation.”

Looking ahead: NDMPs and planning reform

Planning is also evolving. Not only have a new NPPF and the Planning and Infrastructure Bill impacted on the speed and certainty with which I8 clients can gain planning consent for new facilities, but the government is due to consult on National Development Management Policies (NDMPs) by the end of the year. Andy explains how this change could align well with the Industrial Strategy: “There’s potential for an NDMP to give more weight to development that supports economic growth – particularly in life sciences and advanced manufacturing,” he says. “The benefit of the NDMPs is that they will take precedence over local plans, so we hope that the government will take this opportunity into account.”

In conclusion: a new era of opportunity

As the UK enters a new chapter of regionally-driven growth, the ability to connect occupiers to opportunity – and to do so with insight, not just assets – has never been more critical.

Carter Jonas is at the forefront of that change. With expertise in planning, development, commercial agency and viability, we’re helping international businesses not just locate, but thrive throughout the UK. The firm works with a national view, using data to track sector trends and company movement, while applying local knowledge to interpret what that means on the ground. “We don’t put up a board and wait,” says Matt. “We go to international companies, understand their needs, and then find appropriate solutions, which can be anywhere in the UK.”

Carter Jonas’ strength lies in its multidisciplinary approach, supported by Matt’s unique combination of commercial, development and public sector insight.

It’s an approach that’s already paying dividends: regions like the North West are no longer emerging players – they’re established centres of excellence. And the Manchester team is committed to help businesses see that, and to make their entry or expansion into the UK a long-term success.