AtkinsRéalis, a global engineering services and nuclear company, has welcomed Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham to its new central Manchester offices to meet some of its 1000 north-west based employees and talk about the importance of infrastructure in achieving Greater Manchester’s ambitions, from greater transport connectivity to goals for social housing.
AtkinsRéalis has enjoyed a 20-year presence in the city, working with clients including Transport for Greater Manchester and Manchester Airport Group. Projects being delivered from the Hub include the design of Government Property Agency’s new Manchester Digital Campus, Northern Powerhouse Rail and the Transpennine Route Upgrade.
The Mayor heard about AtkinsRéalis’ local investment in technology and digital skills to support project delivery, including a chance to meet six new starters beginning their careers with AtkinsRéalis after winning an industry-first recruitment hackathon hosted at the Manchester Digital Skills Festival earlier in the year.
The visit concluded with a tour its state-of-the-art Lava Lab facilities, including an immersive ‘visit’ to a housing development and a 360° projection of a net zero social housing property by AtkinsRéalis’ subsidiary EDAROTH1 to bring to life new methods of constructing affordable and sustainable homes.
The visit took place ahead of this week’s UK Real Estate and Investment & Infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF), where AtkinsRéalis’ pavilion will focus on place-led growth and infrastructure investment, including a panel on the role of transport in regional growth with Andrew McIntosh, Director of Place at GMCA.
Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, said: “AtkinsRéalis’ decision to expand their presence is fantastic news for Greater Manchester. I’m grateful for their support with technical skills and apprenticeships, opening doors for young people across the city-region.
“As we build on the successes of devolution, AtkinsRéalis’ commitment contributes directly to our £10-15 billion growth pipeline. Their expertise supports achievements like our Metrolink and Bee Network, as Manchester cements its position as the fastest-growing economy, which is set to outpace UK economic growth.”
Colette Carroll, Managing Director – Transportation, UK & Ireland, AtkinsRéalis, said: “So much of the work our North West teams do is centred around sustainable infrastructure development, and it was inspiring for them to hear first-hand about the ambitions for Greater Manchester and how the region is forging ahead with plans for place-led growth.
“Our new office reflects our commitment to Manchester and – with plans to continue to expand in the region – it’s also a strategic decision to base our North West Hub at the heart of a growing digital and technology sector and a thriving local economy.”
Manchester City Council Leader Bev Craig, said: “Manchester celebrates another significant milestone as AtkinsRéalis expands its 20-year presence with an impressive new North West Hub in our city.
“This is fantastic news for our local economy, bringing 1,000 skilled positions with 150 more vacancies currently open to Manchester residents. Their decision to invest here is a tremendous vote of confidence in our talent pipeline and innovative city.
“Over recent years, Manchester has firmly established itself at the centre of digital and technological advancement, with AtkinsRéalis’ commitment only accelerating this.
“We’re particularly pleased to see their focus on sustainable development aligning with our ambitious plans for Manchester’s future growth.”
Joe Manning, Managing Director at MIDAS, Manchester’s Inward Investment Agency, said: “AtkinsRéalis’ investment in a Northern Hub at Piccadilly Place represents the growth opportunity in Greater Manchester.”
“The company’s history in our city has now evolved into this substantial commitment, highlighting the strength of our thriving digital, engineering, and technology sectors.
“Bringing 1,000 skilled jobs to our city-region, this expansion is a testament to Manchester’s position as a first-choice destination for global businesses seeking world-class talent and innovation.”
The company’s North West Hub opened at the start of the year and has around vacancies in the region open currently as the company continues to grow its presence in the region, AtkinsRéalis has a wide range of roles based in the region, from cyber security experts to civil engineers and city planning professionals and each year hires a large number of apprentices and graduates. AtkinsRéalis has around 13,000 UK employees and 40,000 globally.
