Manchester Business Forum

Date:04/02/2026 10:00 am
Location:Consulate General of Romania in Manchester, Abbey House, First Floor, 32 Booth Street, Manchester, M24AB

Join the British Romanian Chamber of Commerce (BRCC), the Consulate General of Romania in Manchester and the Embassy of Romania in London for a high-impact business conference to Greater Manchester. The objective of the Business Forum is to provide valuable support to Romanian companies looking to expand their operations in Greater Manchester City Region and the North West of UK. We offer opportunities for collaboration and growth by connecting them with potential partners, including members of the local Chambers of Commerce. Additionally, we aim to attract investors from UK to explore business opportunities in Romania, including financing options provided through the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP).

This event aims to foster cross-border business relationships, offering a platform for knowledge-sharing, networking, and investment. This exclusive mission brings together industry leaders from both Romania and the UK to forge lasting business relationships and unlock strategic opportunities across vital sectors: Digitalization/AI/New Tech & Green Energy.

Set against the backdrop of one of the UK’s most dynamic economic region, this initiative offers unparalleled access to insights, networking, and funding mechanisms that can fuel cross-border growth and innovation.

Why Participate?

Connect with the right people

Get firsthand knowledge on:

  • How to establish or scale a company in the UK
  • Available funding, grants, and local support programs
  • Opportunities via Romania’s €28.5 billion NRRP fund for EU-backed partnerships

Explore the innovation hub:

  • Greater Manchester – a thriving region in the UK, known for its strong economy, diverse industries, and excellent infrastructure. As the #1 destination for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the UK, it’s an attractive location for businesses and investors.

Who should join:

  • Romanian companies seeking market expansion, clients, or joint ventures in the UK
  • British companies interested in EU funding or Romanian market entry
  • Innovation leaders, consultancy firms, and public sector representatives
  • Investors exploring greenfield or brownfield projects

Agenda:

  • 10:00-10:15 – Introductory messages: Consulate General of Romania in Manchester, Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce, British Romanian Chamber of Commerce
  • 10:15-11:35 – Comprehensive presentation from:
    • David Hilton – Business Development Director, Manchester Investment and Development Agency Service (MIDAS)
    • Amy Swindells – Head of International Trade, Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce (GMCC)
    • Matt Robinson – Head of Programme – Nations and Regions, Tech UK
    • Cllr. Nick Small – Liverpool City Council’s Cabinet Member for Growth & Economy
    • Manchester Digital
  • 11:35 – 11:45 – Q&A
  • 11:45-12:00 – Coffee break
  • 12:00-13:00 – General Information and Q&A about opening a company in UK, Funding and Start-up Incubators presented by:
    • Ben Davies – Marketing Director, PRAETURA Investment Fund
    • Amer Gaffar – Director of Industrial Strategy, Manchester Metropolitan University
    • Andrei Porumb – Associate Professor (Reader) of Accounting at Alliance Manchester Business School & Director of the Centre for the Analysis of Investment Risk
  • 13:00-13:30 Companies profile presentation
  • 13:30-15:00 – Lunch & Networking

*For delegates only:

  • 15:00–15:45 – 1:1 Meetings with Consulate General of Romania in Manchester and Embassy of Romania in UK and/or B2B introductions with UK companies present at the event
  • 16:00-16:30 – Transfer to City Group
  • 16:30-18.00 – Pre-arranged visit at Manchester City Football Club

*13:00-14:00– European Funding Opportunities in Romania:

a)Information session led by Mrs. Ivona Batali, the Director General of the Ministry of Investments and European Funds (MIPE). Presentation of the MIPE-developed platform https://oportunitati-ue.gov.ro/, which acts as a single access point for beneficiaries. The platform integrates data on available funding opportunities, calls for projects, and networking possibilities, offering up-to-date information on European and national funding
programs.

b)Highlight Romania’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP), approved by the EU Council on December 8, 2023, which allocates €28.5 billion (12.8% of Romania’s 2019 GDP) in non-refundable funds.

Speakers:

  • David Hilton – Business Development Director – Manchester Investment and Development Agency Service (MIDAS)
  • Amy Swindells – Head of International Trade, Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce (GMCC)
  • Matt Robinson – Head of Programme – Nations and Regions, Tech UK
  • Cllr. Nick Small – Liverpool City Council’s Cabinet Member for Growth & Economy
  • Ben Davies – Group Marketing Director – PRAETURA Investment Fund
  • Amer Gaffar – Director of Industrial Strategy, Manchester Metropolitan University
  • Andrei Porumb – Associate Professor (Reader) of Accounting at Alliance Manchester Business School & Director of the Centre for the Analysis of Investment Risk

 

Participation Fee: EUR 250 (VAT included)

 

Please express your interest to join this delegation at iulia.serbanescu@brcconline.eu or cristiana.vasea@brcconline.eu Places are limited—early registration is recommended!

Download the Delegation Brochure here

We would like to thank our event partners: Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce and Energynomics.