Manchester’s booming e-commerce sector could be key to driving jobs and growth across the North West – and industry leaders have been gathering to map out its future.
More than 200 experts, business owners, and policymakers gathered at Manchester Digital’s annual E-Commerce Conference to explore how online retail can fuel innovation, create jobs, and boost exports. The trade body, which represents the region’s fast-growing tech and digital commerce sector, says the North West has a major opportunity to lead the UK’s e-commerce expansion.
In response to the event, Manchester Digital has developed a proposal calling on the Government to explore the creation of a National Centre of E-Commerce Excellence, in partnership with The Manchester Metropolitan University and UKTCG. The initiative aims to future-proof the sector, create jobs and ensure the UK remains competitive in the global digital economy.
READ MORE: The two key reasons why Manchester’s small businesses can’t keep up with technology
The UK is currently the fourth largest e-commerce market in the world, after the US, China and Japan, contributing more than £80 billion a year in exports. With online retail expected to account for over a fifth of all UK retail sales by 2027, Manchester Digital believes there is a strong case for a dedicated, Government-supported body to help the sector grow further and reach new markets.
Katie Gallagher OBE, managing director of Manchester Digital and chair of the UK Tech Cluster Group (UKTCG), is speaking at the conference. She highlighted the need for a national approach to better support the development and scaling of the UK’s e-commerce capability.
She said: “The UK is home to a thriving e-commerce sector, with much of it based here in Manchester, yet there is no dedicated institution for fostering innovation, skills development and business growth. As AI is rapidly reshaping digital commerce, and with global political uncertainty, the tech industry and Government must work together to ensure the UK stays ahead.”
READ MORE: Two more cutting-edge firms chose North West science hub Sci-Tech Daresbury
The proposal sets out a vision for a new centre that brings together research, commercial application and workforce readiness to support sustainable growth. It suggests Manchester as the location for a pilot, given its position as an established e-commerce hub and home to major brands such as Booking.com, Auto Trader, Ao.com, Pets at Home and THG. The region has around 3,000 e-commerce businesses and strong links to complementary sectors such as fintech, AI and cybersecurity.
The concept would be delivered by Manchester Digital in partnership with The Manchester Metropolitan University’s Centre for Enterprise, and the UKTCG. The proposed centre would launch as a pilot in the North West before expanding into a network of regional hubs across the UK, supported by local tech ecosystem organisations. These hubs would:
- Pioneer new models in AI-driven retail, sustainable logistics and fintech for e-commerce
- Support the creation of at least 2,500 new jobs
- Upskill thousands of individuals for next-generation digital trade roles
- Help at least 250 UK e-commerce companies expand into global markets
David Edmundson-Bird, Faculty Lead in AI at The Manchester Metropolitan University and co-author of the proposal, highlighted post-Brexit challenges including cross-border trade complexity and regulatory change. He said: “Targeted support through a National Centre of E-Commerce Excellence would strengthen supply chains and boost exports, while also helping the sector respond to changes brought about by AI.”
Katie Gallagher added: “We’ve seen real enthusiasm from businesses that want to innovate, scale and grow. This proposal is about starting the conversation on how we build the infrastructure to support that growth. The North West has the talent, scale and ecosystem to lead this nationally.”
