With the latest AI wave, it’s now named the UK's most AI-ready city, and we've chosen this thriving hub to launch our mission: to democratise smarter media buying for UK SMEs.
The opportunity and potential the city offers was evident at the recent MD Future Live event and the level of energy of the room was unmistakable. Manchester Digital brought together global brands and fast-rising startups in a packed, fast-paced day devoted to emerging tech. The UK currently stands as the world’s third largest AI market, propelled by a government strategy that could boost our economy by £47 billion a year, and that scale feels real here. Speakers from manufacturing, life sciences, green energy, and more showcased mind-boggling, awe-inspiring real uses of AI that’s already transforming sectors and changing the future of work.
AI is no longer just a trend but a foundational force, and harnessing robust infrastructure is critical for truly sustainable progress. The skills, solutions, and anticipation in the room promise even bigger changes on the horizon.
Manchester’s vital role in driving this innovation is undeniable:
- £75B economy, biggest outside London.
- More than 10,000 tech firms and £532M raised in one year alone.
- 85% gigabit broadband coverage and direct fibre routes across Europe and the US.*
With Manchester’s pipeline of talent, research, and infrastructure, it’s the ideal ground to accelerate our mission to empower SMEs with smarter tools, clearer insights, and better results in how they advertise. The future of advertising is being built in Manchester, and we're putting it in the hands of every business that needs it.
* Source: https://gmbusinessboard.com/news/manchester-and-salford-claim-top-spots-in-sas-ai-cities-index-2024
