NW scores with Soccerex deal

THE North West’s credentials as a global hub for the sports business sector has received a major boost.

Manchester has been chosen as the host city for the first Soccerex European Forum – a new event organised by Soccerex – the business to business football convention.

The deal will see the forum take place at Manchester Central for the next four years, starting next year.

Each year, the two-day event is expected to attract around 2,000 delegates from around the world, generating between £1.5m and £2.5m in economic benefit for the city.

Andrew Stokes, chief executive of Marketing Manchester, the agency that led the bid to bring the event to the city, said: “It’s fantastic. What better place to host an international football forum than here in Manchester, which is arguably the football capital of the world.

“Not only does this event bring significant financial benefit to the city, it also enhances our reputation on the international football circuit and is yet another example of the value of business tourism to Manchester.”

Peter Mearns, executive director of marketing and communications at the North West Development Agency (NWDA), said: “Sport is a huge industry and in light of our proud sporting heritage in the North West, we are well placed to access the economic and social benefits it brings.”

Lesley Tomlinson, chief executive of Manchester Central, said: “Manchester Central is one of the premier venues in Europe and our city centre location and range of flexible facilities make us ideal for an event of this nature.”