The British-Slovenian Chamber of Commerce, SPIRIT Slovenia, and the Ministry of Economy, Tourism and Sport invite representatives of Slovenian 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 cybersecurity, fintech, biotech, and green and sustainable solutions.
During the visit, you will have the opportunity to take part in targeted B2B meetings with UK companies and attend the conference “Doing Business with Slovenia.”
You can express your interest in attending the delegation by completing the online form no later than 19 June 2026.
All companies that express interest will receive further information regarding participation and the program in due course.
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.
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.
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.
ife 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).
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.
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
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.
What the delegation offers?
The delegation is designed with a clear objective: to open the door to concrete business opportunities.
Participants will benefit from:
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.
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