Business Delegation to Manchester

The British-Slovenian Chamber of Commerce, SPIRIT Slovenia, and the Ministry of Economy, Tourism and Sport invite representatives of Slovenian exporting companies to join a Business Delegation to Manchester, taking place from 19 to 21 October 2026.

The delegation is intended for companies looking to enter the UK market or strengthen their presence there, particularly in the fields of advanced manufacturing, technology including IT and digital, pharmatech and biotech, automotive and transport, construction and infrastructure, and green and sustainable solutions.

During the visit, you will have the opportunity to take part in targeted B2B meetings with UK companies.

Delegation program

What the delegation offers?

The delegation is designed with a clear objective: to open the door to concrete business opportunities.

Participants will benefit from:

• pre-arranged B2B meetings with relevant UK companies,
• access to key local stakeholders and business networks,
• market insights tailored to their sector and business profile,
• high-quality networking in a focused business environment.

The program will be tailored to the profile of participating companies, with a focus on sectors such as green technologies, advanced manufacturing, technology including cybersecurity, fintech, biotech, and sustainable solutions.

Registration

Interested representatives of Slovenian companies are kindly invited to confirm their participation in the delegation via this link no later than 30 September 2026, or until the vacancies in the delegation are filled, taking into account the relevance of the companies to the areas of the delegation and the order of applications.

Your participation in the delegation is confirmed by payment of the registration fee.

Delegation fee

Delegation participants are responsible for their own travel costs and the registration fee for the delegation, which amounts to EUR 660 + VAT per person.

The delegation fee for the delegation includes: full program organisation by the British–Slovenian Chamber of Commerce, B2B meetings, pub dinner on 20 October, and light refreshments provided throughout the program. The fee does not include flight costs, accommodation, breakfasts, and local transport around Manchester.

Micro, small and medium-sized enterprises can benefit from a voucher from the Slovenian Enterprise Fund to attend the delegation, which reimburses up to 60% of the costs (transfers, accommodation, registration fee) for one company representative. Please find more information here.

The organisers reserve the right to change the program.

Why Manchester?

Manchester is a premier export destination and global gateway because it serves as the primary international hub for the North of England, offering unmatched connectivity, a thriving £100 billion economy, and direct access to high-growth markets. As the largest city-region economy outside London, combined with a lower operating cost (up to 18% lower than London), Manchester provides a strategic base for businesses seeking to export on a global scale.

1. Exceptional connectivity and logistics

Manchester is one of the best-connected cities in the UK.

Airport and Cargo Capacity
Manchester Airport, the country’s third-largest airport, offers direct connections to more than 200 destinations worldwide, facilitating business travel and access to global markets.  The airport handles over 100,000 tonnes of freight, serving as a critical logistics hub for manufacturers and life science companies to reach international markets. It is the only Northern airport with direct routes to major global hubs, including Mumbai, Beijing, and Singapore, which significantly boosts trade, particularly with fast-growing economies.

Heart of the UK
Manchester sits at the centre of the UK’s motorway network. It is located at the intersection of major motorways (M60, M62, M56, M6), allowing access to the majority of the UK market within hours.

Port Access
Manchester is connected to the sea via the Manchester Ship Canal, supporting maritime freight transport. It benefits from its close proximity to the Port of Liverpool and the Liverpool2 deep-water container terminal, which provide efficient and cost-competitive options for maritime trade and international shipping.

2. Strong and growing sectors

Manchester’s economy is diverse and built on high-growth sectors that are particularly attractive for international collaboration.

Advanced Manufacturing & Materials
Home to major clusters, particularly in Trafford Park, with upcoming developments like Atom Valley.

Digital and Tech
Ranked as the fastest-growing tech sector in the UK in 2025, with strong expertise in Cyber, AI, and Fintech.

Life Sciences & Healthcare
A globally significant hub for research and innovation, supported by world-leading hospitals.

Financial and Professional Services
A major, mature sector driving foreign direct investment (FDI).

3. Favourable business environment

Manchester offers competitive conditions for market entry. Operating costs are lower than in London and many other European cities, enabling a more efficient market entry.

At the same time, the city continues to invest heavily in infrastructure and business districts such as Airport City Manchester, Circle Square and NOMA, which support the growth of innovative companies.

As one of the most advanced devolved city-regions in the UK (acting as a "trailblazer" for the rest of the country), Manchester also benefits from greater local autonomy in economic development, enabling faster decision-making and more targeted investment support.

4. Access to talent

Manchester is a major university hub, with more than 100,000 graduates each year. Four major universities (including the University of Manchester) provide a large talent pool and drive research and development, particularly in biotechnology, engineering, and digital technologies

5. Proven track record in attracting investment

Manchester has consistently ranked among the top destinations for foreign direct investment outside London. The presence of global companies such as Amazon, Google, IBM, Siemens, and BNY Mellon reflects the stability of the business environment and the city’s long-term potential.

Contact for further information

Tara Pleško
British-Slovenian Chamber of Commerce
08 205 09 66
tara.plesko@bscc.si

Žana Žalar
SPIRIT Slovenija
01 5891 877
zana.zalar@spiritslovenia.s