London and New York City have a long-established relationship as twin ambassadors for global tourism and reciprocal investment. By trading their own unique arts, culture, leisure and entertainment offerings, both have helped shape some of the world's most exciting cultural trends, and advanced the international reputation of their countries.
This dominance of the two supercities has often overshadowed other key British contenders and their American counterparts in the process, but this could now be set to change. In the evolving online world, consumers of culture from both sides of the Atlantic are able to access a limitless vault of regional productions, paving the way for other major UK and US cities to enter the world stage.
The evolution of a coastal network in the US has seen Chicago, Boston, Washington D.C and New York create a cultural and professional collective, which is looking overseas for its inspiration. This now gives Manchester the opportunity to make its own leap across the pond.
The growing influence of Manchester City as a viable rival to international favourites Manchester United, as well as the elevated credibility of the local arts and culture scene, has meant international investment has become a serious prospect. Supplemented by both inward and international investment in a number of modern industries, and supported by a wealth of world-renowned educational institutions, Manchester is securing a reputation for business, study, and now tourism investment.
Deloitte is currently working with MIDAS to capitalise on Manchester's appeal to American audiences. A recent delegation of both businesses joined forces with Manchester City FC to host a business reception at Yankee Stadium, as the team competed with NYC FC and Toronto FC for an audience of over 45 American and Canadian companies. The delegation is bolstered by the presence of Manchester International Festival in New York, with founder Alex Poots speaking at the reception about the impact of cultural events for regional cities.
What these new opportunities show is that globalisation has enabled cities to move beyond their physical boundaries. This makes international investment a new, more vibrant playing field, where cultural credibility is no longer confined to major tourist destinations and so gives underground movements the chance to secure transformative investment.
Though its natives will tell you Manchester always been a touchpoint for counterculture and alternative music – and that's not even starting on the local sporting legacy – the recent intelligent investment in sport, leisure, arts and entertainment that the city has helped the city move towards big leagues.
As the Northern Powerhouse vision begins to take shape, we can only expect more backing to help Manchester fulfil its promise, with a host of new venues and events in the pipeline. It is by placing our faith in the magnetic power of Britain's other cultural gems that we can help bring this international interest home and invest in our fast-growing urban areas.
India is certainly an exciting opportunity both for Indian and UK businesses. The economies of both countries appear promising and the increase of devolution through the Northern Powerhouse is likely to be the catalyst to increase collaboration between the two. Northern cities, including Manchester, Leeds and Newcastle, are coming together to offer an attractive foothold into the UK market and we will begin to see an influx in Indian investment in the coming years. Similarly, with many businesses now setting their sights on international expansion, India will fast become one of the leading countries for UK firms to invest in.
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