Confidence continues to grow throughout the region as the straitjacket of the recession eases. That is shown by the sheer scale of the improvements at Manchester Airport, which is a declaration of intent on maintaining and improving its leading European status. Not satisfied with a £100 million World Logistics Centre, the holding company for the airport, MAG, is going for a large £650 million mixed use scheme.
Making it a long term plan has meant ensuring the transport links such as Metrolink to the city centre and use of the motorway and railway network (which will be enhanced by the HS2 line). What is also important is that the core property business is in a healthy state with a decent take up last year and a strong batch of new requirements. We know from the MIPIM property show in Cannes that the Manchester brand shines brightly and with confidence.
It could be argued that this is emphasised by the success and the fierce competition of the two Premier League football teams.
Manchester enjoys winning and Mancunians have always taken a positive view of what the city can achieve in business, sport and music. That has been boosted by the determination to grow the TMT sector and make a success of Salford Quays as a media centre.