Greater Manchester is fast becoming one of Europe’s most dynamic hubs for artificial intelligence innovation — and for businesses looking to scale, now is the time to invest in talent in the region.

According to the 2025 Greater Manchester AI Catalyst Report by Turing Innovation Catalyst Manchester (TIC), the region’s AI companies now hold a combined valuation of £3.14 billion — more than five times their 2020 valuation. With world-class research institutions, a growing VC landscape, and strong public-private partnerships, Manchester is on track to become a European leader in AI innovation.

The report outlines a clear trajectory: by 2035, Greater Manchester’s AI ecosystem is projected to be worth £11.2 billion, supporting 25,000 highly skilled jobs and contributing nearly £19 billion to the economy. Currently, around 13,500 professionals are employed in AI across the city region — and demand is growing rapidly.

For tech businesses, this isn’t just a headline. It’s a real opportunity.

Companies raised over £435 million in venture capital between 2021 and 2023, and in 2024 alone, Manchester-based AI firms attracted an additional £290 million — a funding level that now rivals other major European cities like Madrid and Barcelona. Investment like this drives hiring, innovation, and long-term sustainability — but also increases competition for talent.

At Maxwell Bond, we partner with high-growth businesses to help them scale smarter and faster. Our deep network across Greater Manchester’s tech and product communities means we’re well-positioned to support clients building teams across engineering, data, AI, product, and digital.

Whether you’re expanding into Manchester for the first time or doubling down on growth in the region, we can help you navigate the talent landscape and build the teams that deliver results.

Manchester’s rise as a European AI leader is well underway. The only question now is — are you ready to scale with it?

Let’s talk about your hiring plans.