A recent trade mission to Japan by city-region leaders from Greater Manchester has resulted in significant partnerships with top technology firms. The trip led to the establishment of exploratory agreements with Fujitsu and SSE Energy Solutions, both of which are expected to have a transformative impact on the development of Greater Manchester’s Investment Zone.
The most notable of these agreements was with Fujitsu, a prominent Japanese technology group, which signed a new partnership deal with Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, and Cllr Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council and Greater Manchester Lead for Economy, Business, and Inclusive Growth. This agreement, signed during a meeting at Fujitsu’s Tokyo headquarters, aims to provide crucial support for the advancement of Greater Manchester’s Investment Zone.
Describing the partnership, Mayor Andy Burnham emphasised the significance of collaborating with Fujitsu, stating that the support of private sector partners is crucial in the city-region’s ambition to become a global hub for advanced manufacturing and materials. He also emphasised the value of the trade mission, particularly in forging partnerships with global technology companies, which can directly benefit Greater Manchester’s businesses and contribute to job creation and economic growth.
Cllr Bev Craig also underscored the historic relationship between Greater Manchester and Fujitsu, dating back over 75 years to the collaborative efforts between the company and the University of Manchester in developing early computer systems. She noted that Fujitsu’s technologies can substantially enhance the efficiency, sustainability, and profitability of Greater Manchester’s manufacturing sector, aligning with the vision for the Investment Zone and the city-region’s overall economic growth.
Vivek Mahajan, Chief Technology Officer at Fujitsu, further expressed enthusiasm regarding the agreement, highlighting the potential for Fujitsu’s expertise in technologies such as artificial intelligence to address unique challenges within the manufacturing industry and drive innovative solutions for the community’s benefit.
In addition to the partnership with Fujitsu, city-region leaders also signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with SSE Energy Solutions during their visit to SSE Pacifico in Japan. This collaboration aims to leverage cutting-edge digital infrastructure solutions to accelerate the delivery of renewable energy assets in Greater Manchester, further solidifying the region’s commitment to sustainability and decarbonisation.
Neil Kirkby, Managing Director at SSE Energy Solutions, emphasised the company’s ambition to become a leading net-zero infrastructure advisor and highlighted the importance of a just and fair transition to net zero, underscoring how decarbonisation efforts can support communities with regeneration, economic investment, and the creation of sustainable, long-term jobs.
Similarly, Iain Bevan, Commercial Manager for Daikin UK, a major manufacturer that previously partnered with Greater Manchester, expressed excitement about playing a key role in the decarbonisation of the city-region and the wider UK.
These successful partnerships achieved during the Japan trade mission underline the city-region’s commitment to fostering sustainable growth, driving innovation, and building a vibrant ecosystem for businesses. They also serve as a testament to the potential for international collaborations to contribute significantly to local economic development and environmental sustainability.
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