Momentum in business news Ireland is increasingly tied to how Irish exporters scale abroad, and Manchester is emerging as one of the clearest signals of that shift. Enterprise Ireland’s latest trade mission to the city arrives with a standout milestone: client exports to the UK hit a record €11.1 billion in 2025, up 10% year on year, underlining the strength of cross-channel trade as Irish firms deepen their presence in one of their most important international markets.
Led by Minister for Trade Promotion, Artificial Intelligence and Digital Transformation Niamh Smyth, the mission brings 40 high-growth companies to Manchester from sectors including construction, engineering, technology, manufacturing and creative industries. The visit is not just ceremonial. It comes with new office openings, hiring plans and major project wins that add fresh weight to the latest ireland business news and wider ireland economic growth narrative.
Manchester’s rising role in business news Ireland
Enterprise Ireland’s 2026 UK Market Sentiment Survey shows the North of England is now the second-largest UK region for Irish companies, representing 20% of their UK footprint, behind London on 23%. When combined with the Midlands, the corridor accounts for 36% of total Irish business presence in Britain.
That matters for anyone following irish business news because the region aligns closely with sectors where Ireland has built strong export capability:
- Construction and built environment
- Energy and grid infrastructure
- Water and sustainability projects
- Advanced manufacturing supply chains
- Digital health and AI-enabled services
Survey data also points to more growth ahead. Around 38% of Irish companies said they plan significant investment increases in the North of England, well above the UK average of 22%. One in five also expects to hire in the region in 2026.
Read more: irish startups and ireland startup funding coverage | ireland sme news and business growth insights
New office openings signal long-term expansion
A key takeaway from this round of business news Ireland is that Irish companies are moving beyond export sales into permanent local presence.
Companies expanding in Manchester and the North West
- Kavaleer is opening its first overseas office in Manchester, creating 20 jobs and launching an international co-production.
- Osborne, the Irish recruitment and talent solutions firm, has opened its first UK office there and plans to add 10 jobs in 2026.
- KSNPM, a construction consultancy, is setting up a Manchester base to support a growing pipeline, backed by investment from Fexco.
- Glanua has opened a new office in Newton-le-Willows, Merseyside, with 10 staff already in place and five more roles being recruited.
These moves reflect a broader trend in business Ireland: Irish firms are no longer treating Britain solely as an export destination, but as a market where they can build teams, partnerships and recurring revenue.
Irish companies are landing major contracts
The trade mission also highlights how established Irish businesses are winning high-profile regional work.
Sisk is involved in the £300 million expansion of Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium, including a hotel and fan zone as part of a year-round entertainment destination. The group is also active in regeneration work in Manchester and on major healthcare infrastructure in London.
Techrete is supplying low-carbon façade systems for the University of Manchester’s Fallowfield student accommodation scheme. With 3,300 bedrooms planned, it is expected to become Europe’s largest Passivhaus development, showcasing Irish expertise in sustainable construction and offsite manufacturing.
xWave, the Irish digital health company, continues its UK push with deployments including the Yorkshire Imaging Collaborative, covering 24 hospitals and 2.7 million people. Since entering the UK in 2023, it has secured contracts with 22 NHS Trusts and plans to create 30 jobs over the next three years.
Read more: ireland leadership news and founder stories | ireland workplace trends and career development updates
What this means for the ireland economy
The bigger picture is clear. The UK now accounts for 29% of Enterprise Ireland client exports, and 95% of surveyed companies rate it as a critical or very important market. Irish firms also employ about 150,000 people across the UK, according to the British Irish Chamber of Commerce.
For readers tracking ireland investment news and ireland market analysis, this points to a resilient export relationship built on more than proximity. It is increasingly driven by sector expertise in energy, digital systems, infrastructure and advanced manufacturing.
FAQ
Why is Manchester important for Irish companies?
It offers access to major infrastructure, energy, manufacturing and health projects, making it a strategic base for expansion across the North of England.
How much did Enterprise Ireland client exports to the UK reach?
They reached a record €11.1 billion in 2025, up 10% from the previous year.
Which sectors are leading growth?
Construction, engineering, technology, manufacturing, digital health and sustainability-related services are all prominent.
Are Irish companies creating jobs in the UK?
Yes. Several firms announced hiring plans during the mission, and one in five surveyed companies expects to recruit in the region in 2026.
In practical terms, this latest business news Ireland update shows how Irish companies are using strong export performance to build a deeper operating footprint abroad. If the current pace continues, Manchester could become one of the most important hubs in the next chapter of ireland business news, with clear benefits for the ireland economy and for Irish firms seeking durable growth beyond the domestic market.
