G20 summit will give city 'chance to shine', leaders say

Hosting world leaders at the G20 summit in Manchester in 2027 will give the city a "chance to shine", according to business leaders.

The annual gathering of the world's largest economies will take place on 27 and 28 November 2027 at the Manchester Central Convention Centre.

The last time the summit was held in the UK was in 2009 when it was hosted in London. The cost of the security operation at the time was an estimated £7.2m.

Assistant Chief Constable Chris Sykes from Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said it would be a "complex and significant security operation".

Sykes said the force has been planning for the event for some time, having been notified earlier this year that Manchester would be announced as the host city.

He said: "I am confident in our ability to deliver a safe and secure summit while continuing to meet the day-to-day policing needs of communities across Greater Manchester."

Robert Downes, from the Federation of Small Businesses in Manchester, described it as a "win-win for everyone". He continued: "We will see investment beforehand, we will see investment during and hopefully we will see investment afterwards.

"It will give Manchester's hospitality sector a chance to shine- our culture, our sport, our leading world-class university sector," he said.

"There will be thousands of delegates from across the world, from the United Nations, from the European Union. Some really big names are coming and they will see what we have to offer," Downes said.

Business secretary Jonathan Reynolds said: "In 2027 we will have the chance to show the world the strength of our businesses, universities, culture and communities," he said, adding that it was a "great moment to attract investment, back good jobs and show that growth in Britain does not begin and end in London."

Garry Bridges, leader of Manchester City Council, said hosting the event would be "a magnificent honour and privilege".

He added: "We're really used to big events and of course there will be some level of disruption, but I think what people will understand is it's a chance for Manchester to get global recognition."

He added the logistical arrangements for the summit would have a cost that would come from national spending, not solely from Manchester residents.

Politics expert Paula Keaveney said that although Manchester is used to holding big events, hosting an event that brings politicians in from all over the world will be "quite a challenge".

Security, hotels and travel routes were among her concerns. She asked: "How do you balance making a safe, successful conference like this with the needs of people who actually live and work here". But she added: "There will be a huge increase in international attention and that "can only benefit the city."

John Hamilton, chairman of the Manchester Pub and Club Network, said: "Businesswise it is going to be absolutely amazing for restaurants, bars, hotels and shops."

"I don't think people realise how big this is," Hamilton added.

But, he said: "The city is ready for it and we are ready to show off what the city can do."

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