Enterprise Ireland has brought a major trade mission to Manchester as Irish exporters deepen their presence across the UK market. The visit comes as Enterprise Ireland confirmed client exports to the UK hit a record €11.1 billion in 2025, a 10% year-on-year increase that underlines the strength of Irish business activity in Britain.
Led by Minister Niamh Smyth, the Manchester programme showcases how Irish firms are scaling in construction, engineering, digital health, manufacturing and the creative industries. For readers tracking state-backed export growth through gov.ie, Enterprise Ireland remains central to Ireland’s international trade strategy, working alongside wider Government priorities in Finance, Enterprise, Trade and Employment, and the Department of the Taoiseach.
Enterprise Ireland in Manchester as UK Demand Accelerates
The latest figures show the UK now accounts for 29% of all Enterprise Ireland client exports, making it one of the agency’s most important overseas markets. The North of England has become especially significant, representing 20% of Irish companies’ UK footprint, second only to London.
That expansion is being driven by strong opportunities in:
- Data centre development
- Energy and grid upgrades
- Water infrastructure projects
- Advanced manufacturing supply chains
- Digital health deployment
Enterprise Ireland’s 2026 UK market survey also found that 38% of Irish firms plan major investment increases in the North of England, well above the broader UK average. The region is now a priority growth corridor for Irish exporters looking to build long-term operations beyond London.
Read more: latest Irish government services and gov.ie public sector updates and Ireland business news, enterprise growth and export updates.
New Openings Signal Long-Term Enterprise Ireland Commitment
Several Irish companies used the trade mission to announce fresh investment in the region. Animation studio Kavaleer is opening its first overseas office in Manchester and plans to create 20 jobs. Recruitment specialist Osborne has also launched its first UK office there, with 10 new roles planned in 2026.
Construction consultancy KSNPM is establishing a Manchester base to support a growing pipeline, while Glanua has opened a Northwest office in Newton-le-Willows, expanding its UK workforce further.
These announcements reinforce how Enterprise Ireland supports companies not just in exporting goods and services, but in building embedded operations in international markets. That model aligns with broader Irish state priorities often monitored across agencies such as IDA Ireland, Revenue Commissioners, CSO and Enterprise, Trade and Employment.
Major Projects Across Construction, Energy and Health
The Manchester mission also highlights the scale of landmark contracts already being delivered by Irish firms. Sisk is playing a central role in the £300 million expansion of Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium, while Techrete is supplying façade systems for the University of Manchester’s Fallowfield scheme, expected to become Europe’s largest Passivhaus development.
In clean energy, Activ8 Energies is growing its UK presence following its acquisition of Low Carbon Energy, strengthening its position in commercial solar delivery. In healthcare technology, xWave continues to expand across the NHS, with deployments reaching 24 hospitals through the Yorkshire Imaging Collaborative and contracts secured with 22 NHS Trusts since entering the UK in 2023.
Explore more: UK-Ireland investment, infrastructure and sustainability news and Enterprise Ireland UK market expansion in construction and health tech.
Why the mission matters
This Enterprise Ireland trade mission is about more than announcements. It reflects a wider strategy to diversify markets, create jobs and strengthen Irish commercial links in high-growth UK regions. With 95% of surveyed firms describing the UK as a critical or very important market, the momentum remains strong.
Conclusion
The Manchester visit shows Enterprise Ireland is helping Irish companies move from exporting into deeper market integration, from opening offices to delivering flagship projects. With UK exports at a record €11.1 billion and fresh investment flowing into the North of England, Enterprise Ireland is reinforcing Ireland’s position as a trusted business partner across construction, innovation, energy and digital health.
Article/Image Courtesy: Enterprise Ireland
