Irish exporters are deepening their footprint in the UK, and the latest move into Manchester shows just how quickly that relationship is growing. In a significant development for business news Ireland, Enterprise Ireland has brought 40 high-growth companies to Manchester as client exports to the UK hit a record €11.1 billion in 2025, a 10% year-on-year increase.
Led by Minister Niamh Smyth, the trade mission highlights the North of England as an increasingly important market for Irish firms across construction, engineering, technology, manufacturing and creative industries. The visit also coincides with new office openings, fresh contract wins and expansion plans that underline the strength of cross-channel commercial ties.
Manchester emerges as a major growth hub
The latest Enterprise Ireland figures show the UK now accounts for 29% of client exports, making it one of the most important external markets for Irish businesses. Within that, the North of England has become especially valuable, representing 20% of Irish companies’ UK footprint, second only to London.
This matters well beyond a routine trade visit. For readers following business news Ireland, the shift signals a more regionally diversified UK strategy, with Irish companies increasingly targeting industrial and infrastructure-led growth corridors rather than relying solely on London.
- Enterprise Ireland client exports to the UK reached €11.1 billion in 2025
- That marks annual growth of 10%
- The North of England accounts for 20% of Irish companies’ UK presence
- 38% of surveyed Irish firms plan significant investment increases in the region
- One in five companies intends to hire there in 2026
The strongest opportunities are aligning with large-scale regional priorities, including grid upgrades, water infrastructure, manufacturing supply chains and data centre development.
New office openings signal long-term commitment
Several Irish companies used the Manchester mission to announce or spotlight physical expansion in the region, reinforcing the idea that this is not just about exports but embedded market presence.
Companies opening or expanding bases
Kavaleer, the Irish animation studio, is opening its first overseas office in Manchester and plans to create 20 jobs while launching a new international co-production. Recruitment firm Osborne has also opened its first UK office in the city, with 10 new jobs planned in 2026 and more growth expected over time.
Construction consultancy KSNPM is establishing a Manchester base to support its pipeline, backed by investment from Fexco. Meanwhile, Glanua has opened a new Northwest-serving office in Newton-le-Willows, with 10 staff already in place and additional hiring under way.
These moves are likely to feature prominently in ireland business news coverage because they show Irish companies are building operational depth in the UK rather than simply servicing contracts remotely.
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Irish firms are landing major projects across the region
The trade mission also puts a spotlight on the scale of work already being delivered by Irish companies in Northern England and beyond.
Sisk is involved in the £300 million expansion of Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium, alongside wider regeneration and development work. Techrete is supplying façade systems for the University of Manchester’s Fallowfield student accommodation scheme, set to become Europe’s largest Passivhaus development. Its insulated panels are expected to help reduce embodied carbon significantly.
In energy, Activ8 Energies has expanded its UK growth strategy following the rebrand of Low Carbon Energy under SSE Energy Solutions. In health tech, xWave continues to build momentum, with deployments spanning 24 hospitals through the Yorkshire Imaging Collaborative and contracts secured with 22 NHS Trusts since entering the UK market in 2023.
Together, these examples strengthen the broader narrative in business news Ireland: Irish firms are competing successfully in advanced sectors where delivery capability, innovation and specialist expertise matter most.
What this means for the wider economy
The mission reflects a bigger policy goal: building a more resilient and globally connected Irish economy. Enterprise Ireland’s survey found that 95% of client companies view the UK as a critical or very important market, while Irish firms collectively employ around 150,000 people across the UK.
For exporters, the message is clear:
- Regional UK markets are becoming more strategic
- Physical presence is increasingly important for winning work
- Infrastructure, sustainability and digital health are high-opportunity sectors
- Long-term partnerships are driving expansion, not short-term trade alone
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FAQ
Why is Manchester important for Irish companies?
Manchester offers access to the wider North of England, a strong industrial base and major opportunities in infrastructure, construction, technology and energy.
How much did Enterprise Ireland clients export to the UK?
Enterprise Ireland said client exports to the UK reached a record €11.1 billion in 2025, up 10% from the previous year.
Which sectors are growing fastest?
Current momentum is strongest in construction, engineering, renewable energy, manufacturing and digital health.
What is the takeaway for business readers?
The latest business news Ireland story shows that Irish expansion into regional UK markets is accelerating, with Manchester becoming a serious platform for investment, jobs and long-term commercial growth.
Conclusion
This trade mission is more than a diplomatic visit; it is evidence of a maturing economic relationship built on exports, investment and on-the-ground execution. For anyone tracking business news Ireland, the key takeaway is that Irish companies are not just entering the UK market, they are scaling within it, and Manchester is quickly becoming one of the most important gateways for that next phase of growth.
