Confidence oozes throughout the North West as the long economic recovery continues and in many places, widens out.
Terrorist attacks have not dented the city in the past, nor is the latest outrage having an impact on the confidence of the city. As much as anything it is the quality of the changes that matter.
The dynamics of the science and technology companies, allied to the strength of the universities, is putting the region in an international position to grow. This includes the Cheshire Science Corridor and the complex around Audley Edge.
An indication of the buoyancy of the office markets, apart from the take-up figures for Manchester and Liverpool, is indicated by Mark Canning’s view that Manchester city centre needs larger buildings to encompass the companies that want to locate there.
However the success of Liverpool is also a boon to the region because of the development of a Golden Corridor. Indeed confidence has grown in the city as Peel has steadfastly pursued its vision for Liverpool Waters. That proves just how important a dedicated developer is to a city.
Another vital factor is the continued efforts to improve transport links, whether it be expansion at the airport (including Airport City) or railways and Metrolink. World class cities need world class transport. As with so many other aspects of Manchester, the debt of honour has to be given to retiring Chief Executive Sir Howard Bernstein.