Key Highlights
- Robert De Niro attended the launch of Nobu tower in Manchester.
- Gary Neville opened St Michael’s development and discussed city centre plans.
- Liz Scott highlighted Manchester’s AI ambitions with a $15bn target.
- The Essity factory in Trafford Park produces 4.5 million toilet rolls daily.
Business Live: Year-End Reflections from the North West
As we approach New Year’s Eve, Alistair Houghton, BusinessLive’s editor, takes a look back at some of 2025’s most notable business stories in the North West. This year brought a mix of entertainment industry giants, tech advancements, and innovative industrial developments.
Entertainment Meets Development
One of the highlights was when Hollywood icon Robert De Niro joined forces with Manchester for the launch of the Nobu tower, a project aimed at becoming the city’s tallest skyscraper. The event, held in Manchester, attracted over 200 guests and featured De Niro alongside co-founders Chef Nobu Matsuhisa and Meir Teper.
De Niro expressed his intrigue about the “real character and creative passion” he observed in Manchester while admitting to being a newcomer. He was clear that he did not know much about the city but was excited by its potential.
Tech Titans and Property Developers
BusinessLive also had the opportunity to cover Gary Neville’s official opening of the £400m St Michael’s development, a significant property project in Manchester. Neville spoke passionately about his move into property development, emphasizing that cities need more homes but also must adapt to become suitable for young families.
Neville suggested that Deansgate could have been pedestrianized and asked, “How do we encourage young families to come into our city?” His comments reflect a broader discussion on urban planning and community engagement in the city center.
AI Ambitions and Industrial Giants
In another noteworthy development, Liz Scott from the Turing Innovation Catalyst Manchester discussed the region’s ambitious goals for its AI ecosystem. Scott highlighted that Greater Manchester boasts the largest AI cluster outside of London, with over 13,500 people working in AI. The city aims to grow this sector to a $15bn value by 2025.
The Essity factory in Trafford Park also caught BusinessLive’s attention for its impressive production capabilities.
This facility can churn out up to 4.5 million toilet rolls every day, showcasing the scale and efficiency of modern industrial operations. A tour of the factory highlighted its cutting-edge technology and massive production lines, turning wood pulp into luxurious toilet roll products.
Politics and Business Journalism
The political climate also played a role in some of the stories covered by BusinessLive. Editor Alistair Houghton reflected on Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ Budget, noting the mixed reactions from business leaders during the event. The “whoop-o-meter” he devised to gauge audience enthusiasm provided an amusing and insightful look into public sentiment.
Site visits were another highlight of 2025’s coverage, with BusinessLive exploring the operations behind some of the region’s largest businesses.
From the paper production mill in Trafford Park to Iceland’s new warehouse-sized freezer in Warrington, these tours offered a behind-the-scenes look at industrial innovation and efficiency.
As 2025 draws to a close, Alistair Houghton looks forward to continuing to cover the dynamic business landscape of the North West. From celebrity visits to groundbreaking technology, there is always something new to explore in this ever-evolving region.
