Downtown in Business (DIB) has welcomed the announcement that Manchester will host the G20 Leaders’ Summit in November 2027, describing the decision as a major vote of confidence in the North and its increasingly important role on the national and international stage.
The summit will bring leaders from the world’s major economies to Manchester, providing an unprecedented opportunity to showcase the city, the North and the wider UK to an international audience of political and business leaders.
DIB Group Chair and Chief Executive Frank McKenna said:
“The decision to host the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Manchester is fantastic news for the city, but its significance goes well beyond Greater Manchester.
“This will be one of the most important international gatherings ever hosted in the North of England and provides a huge opportunity to showcase the economic potential, innovation, culture and business strengths of our great cities to the world.
“For too long, major international political and business events in the UK have automatically gravitated towards London. Hosting the G20 in Manchester sends another powerful signal that this country is beginning to think differently about where economic and political power sits.
“The challenge now is to ensure that the benefits are felt across the North and throughout the UK’s city regions.
“The government has already indicated that events connected to the UK’s G20 presidency will take place across the country. Liverpool, Leeds, Birmingham and other major cities should be ambitious about playing their part.
“We should use 2027 as an opportunity to present a compelling proposition to international investors: that the UK is much more than London and that our regional economies offer world-class opportunities in sectors ranging from digital and AI to advanced manufacturing, life sciences, clean energy, property, culture and the visitor economy.
“Manchester has demonstrated consistently what can be achieved when strong civic leadership works in genuine partnership with business. The G20 announcement is another huge moment for the city and another important moment for the North.
“Downtown in Business looks forward to working with our partners in Manchester and across the country to ensure we maximise the opportunities that the UK’s G20 presidency presents.”
The UK will assume the G20 presidency following the US-hosted summit in Miami in December 2026, with a programme of activity taking place across the country throughout 2027.
DIB believes that the programme presents an opportunity for government, mayors and the private sector to work together to promote Britain’s city regions internationally, attract investment and strengthen trading relationships.
