Traditionally Birmingham has been known as the ‘second city’ after London. \u00a0For the last 20 years Manchester’s star has been rising and it now makes a valid claim to be second city. \u00a0The Northern Powerhouse seemed to support this call and the devolved powers given to Manchester both promoted by George Osborne.<\/p>\n
Yet behind the scenes the Midland Engine project is getting a lot of infrastructure investment. \u00a0This covers Birmingham, Nottingham, Leicester and the area of the Midlands between Shropshire and Lincolnshire. \u00a0Birmingham will be the first to get improved High Speed Rail services making it a nod away from London and freeing up other routes, and many banks are re-locating to Birmingham.<\/p>\n
Manchester was King Cotton and Birmingham was the workshop to the world. Both are great centres. \u00a0Both have lost their original purpose. \u00a0Manchester has appeared to be more successful in re-inventing itself sometimes it seems on the back of its soccer teams and the music of the 90s. \u00a0 The airport is much more successful than any in the Midlands and that is a driver of investment. \u00a0The transfer, reluctantly, of the BBC studios to Manchester (Salford actually) also brought some prestige.<\/p>\n
Also in the north is Leeds which, with Yorkshire swagger, also makes claims to greatness. \u00a0Quite a number of financial companies are in Leeds. \u00a0Improving links between Manchester and Leeds is one of the Northern Powerhouse targets. \u00a0So called High Speed 3. \u00a0Viewed from the north lack of east-west transport investment has long been a difficulty\u00a0yet it can seem local rivalries almost encourage keeping each other at arms length.<\/p>\n
It seems that Birmingham is currently a place to watch although Manchester’s devolved powers might give it another surge and will links to Leeds create emphasis the powerhouse. \u00a0Interesting times.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Traditionally Birmingham has been known as the ‘second city’ after London. \u00a0For the last 20 years Manchester’s star has been rising and it now makes a valid claim to be second city. \u00a0The Northern Powerhouse seemed to support this call … Continue reading