Irish exporters are deepening their footprint in the UK, and the latest move into Manchester shows how quickly that shift is accelerating. In a notable development for business news Ireland, Enterprise Ireland has brought 40 high-growth companies to the city as client exports to the UK hit a record €11.1 billion in 2025, marking a 10% annual increase.
The trade mission, led by Minister Niamh Smyth, underlines Manchester and the wider North of England as a rising priority for Irish firms in construction, engineering, technology, manufacturing and creative industries. The UK now represents 29% of total exports from Enterprise Ireland client companies, highlighting the scale of the commercial relationship and its importance to the wider Ireland economy.
Manchester’s role in Irish business growth
According to Enterprise Ireland’s 2026 UK Market Sentiment Survey, the North of England has become the second-largest UK region for Irish companies, accounting for 20% of their UK footprint. Only London ranks higher at 23%.
That matters because the North-Midlands corridor now represents a major industrial and commercial zone for Irish business expansion. For readers tracking ireland business news and cross-border trade, the survey points to a region where investment plans, hiring intentions and project delivery are all moving upward.
- 38% of Irish companies surveyed plan significant investment increases in the North of England
- That compares with a UK average of 22%
- One in five firms plans to hire in the region during 2026
- The strongest opportunities are in water infrastructure, energy, grid upgrades, manufacturing and digital systems
The trend suggests Irish companies are not simply exporting into Britain but embedding themselves more deeply in regional markets where long-term project pipelines are strongest.
New office openings signal long-term commitment
Several Irish businesses used the Manchester mission to announce fresh expansion plans. Animation studio Kavaleer is opening its first overseas office in the city and expects to create 20 jobs while launching a new international co-production. Recruitment firm Osborne has also opened its first UK office in Manchester, with plans for 10 new roles in 2026 and more growth to follow.
Construction consultancy KSNPM is establishing a Manchester base backed by strategic investment from Fexco, while Glanua has opened a new office in Newton-le-Willows serving the Northwest, with further recruitment already under way.
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Big projects are giving Irish companies visibility
The expansion story is also being driven by landmark contract wins. Sisk is continuing work on Manchester City’s £300 million Etihad Stadium expansion, a high-profile development that includes a new hotel and fan zone. The company is also involved in residential regeneration work in Ancoats and major healthcare infrastructure in London.
Techrete, meanwhile, is supplying façade systems for the University of Manchester’s Fallowfield student accommodation project. The scheme is expected to become Europe’s largest Passivhaus development, and Techrete’s low-carbon insulated panels are central to its sustainability targets.
In health technology, xWave is building momentum across the UK with AI-driven clinical software now deployed through the Yorkshire Imaging Collaborative and contracts secured with 22 NHS Trusts since entering the market in 2023. The company plans to create 30 new jobs over the next three years to support expansion.
These developments reinforce a broader theme in irish business news: Irish firms are increasingly winning complex, high-value work in sectors tied to infrastructure renewal, clean energy and digital transformation.
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What this means for the Ireland economy
The latest figures suggest resilience as well as ambition. Enterprise Ireland says 95% of surveyed client companies view the UK as a critical or very important market. Irish firms also employ around 150,000 people across the UK, showing the relationship is now much broader than traditional export sales.
For the irish economy, this matters in three ways:
- Diversification: Firms are spreading risk across regions and sectors rather than relying on a narrow export base.
- Jobs and scale: International office openings and contract wins support hiring at home and abroad.
- Capability building: Irish companies are gaining credibility in complex areas such as renewable energy, offsite construction and digital health.
It also reflects a more mature phase of internationalisation, where Irish businesses are establishing on-the-ground operations to compete for larger and longer-term opportunities.
FAQ
Why is Manchester important for Irish companies?
Manchester offers access to major infrastructure, energy, health and construction opportunities, making it a strong base for regional UK expansion.
How much did Enterprise Ireland client exports to the UK reach?
Exports reached a record €11.1 billion in 2025, up 10% year on year.
Which sectors are driving growth?
Construction, engineering, manufacturing, creative industries, renewable energy and digital health are among the biggest growth areas.
What does this mean for business news Ireland readers?
It signals that Irish companies are scaling internationally through regional expansion, strategic hiring and higher-value project delivery.
Takeaway
The Manchester trade mission is more than a diplomatic visit; it is a clear signal of where the next phase of Irish expansion is heading. For anyone following business news Ireland, the message is straightforward: Irish companies are building deeper positions in the North of England, and that strategy is increasingly tied to exports, jobs, innovation and long-term growth.
