The newly re-elected mayors of Manchester and the West Midlands are ushering in a new era of growth for their respective city-regions.
Barely a week after securing victories at the ballot box, Andy Burnham (Manchester, with a decisive 54.3%) and Oliver Parker (West Midlands, narrowly clinching victory with 49.8%) have announced foreign direct investment (FDI) commitments totalling an impressive £1.2 billion.
Such announcements underscore the growing appeal of these city-regions as investment hubs post-Brexit. This article dives into the specifics of these FDI flows, highlights key sectors driving development, identifies listed companies poised to benefit, and outlines actionable tips for investors to capitalise on this surge in regional momentum.
A £1.2 Billion Vote of Confidence
The £1.2 billion commitment is a testament to the increasingly strategic role UK city-regions are playing in attracting global capital. Here’s the breakdown:
- Manchester (£700 million) – State-of-the-art Life Sciences Hub to cement its health-innovation leadership.
- West Midlands (£500 million) – EV battery manufacturing plant supporting the UK’s green-energy transition.
Sector allocation:
- 45% advanced manufacturing
- 35% digital services
- 20% green energy
Regional Winners
For UK investors targeting these FDI inflows, infrastructure and real estate names stand out:
- SEGRO (LSE: SGRO) – Industrial property leader, ideally positioned for EV supply-chain space in the Midlands.
- Bruntwood SciTech – Science & tech cluster developer in Manchester, backed by Legal & General.
- British Land (LSE: BLND) – Mixed-use specialist set to benefit from Manchester’s urban regeneration.
How to Capitalise via Regional-Focused Vehicles
Broad exposure without individual stock risk:
- Regional Investment Funds – e.g., Legal & General UK Cities & Regions Fund for diversified urban regeneration plays.
- REITs – Focus on those with industrial or green-energy portfolios in the Midlands/Manchester (e.g., Tritax Big Box REIT).
Subscriber Edge: Insider FDI Data
Advisor’s Gateway subscribers receive exclusive access to FDI dashboards showing real-time regional flows, sector breakdowns, and project metrics, essential for acting ahead of the curve.
Mind the Investment Gap
With city-regions emerging as the UK’s next economic powerhouses, investors who leverage detailed FDI insights stand to capture growth in infrastructure, green energy, and advanced tech hubs. Subscribe to Advisor’s Gateway’s newsletter for fortnightly FDI analysis and build a forward-looking portfolio aligned with the UK’s evolution.
