Manchester’s growing reputation as a tech hub is no secret, but according to TalkTalk Business CEO Ruth Kennedy the city has something even more valuable.
The business leader says the city has a “unique solution” to the global demand for AI talent thanks to its vast student population and collaborative tech ecosystem, which could position the North West as a leader in AI innovation as the technology makes waves across virtually every industry.
It comes as the UK government claims that “thousands of new jobs” will be created as it opens the bidding for its AI Growth Zones.
“Manchester has a unique solution to this problem, as it boasts one of the largest student populations in Europe. With the twenty universities that sit within a one-hour drive of Greater Manchester, there are over 400,000 students, reflecting some of the best up-and-coming minds in the tech industry – from which companies can take their pick. Much of our talent pool at TalkTalk Business comes from Manchester and its surrounding areas, and encouraging and supporting these amazing people is a priority for us,” she told Insider.
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TalkTalk Business, which has its HQ in Salford, separated from the wider TalkTalk Group following a demerger in 2023.
Kennedy said that Manchester’s “thriving tech scene” has “significant potential for growth”. She said: “To effectively develop its growing tech scene into a booming tech ecosystem, businesses across the industry need to be savvy about utilising the unique strengths and opportunities that Manchester has to offer.”
She pointed to initiatives like The Manchester Prize, which is awarding £100,000 grants to ten start-ups developing AI solutions for the public good, with a further £1m prize set to be announced in early 2025. These investments, she argued, provide a major incentive for businesses looking to accelerate their AI capabilities.
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But AI’s rise also brings challenges, she said, particularly in cybersecurity. The CEO warned that businesses must remain vigilant, citing the increasing frequency of ransomware attacks. Manchester, she said, is at the forefront of tackling these risks, with the North West emerging as a major player in the fight against cybercrime. The National Cyber Force’s forthcoming base in Samlesbury, alongside initiatives like the Lancashire Cyber Partnership, further solidify the region’s role in digital security, according to the business leader.
“Now is the time to seize the opportunity,” she said. “By nurturing talent and fostering innovation, Manchester can become a global powerhouse for digital skills and technology.”
