Free-trade bastion

UK Minister of Business and Trade Dominic Johnson and Chief Executive of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority Eamonn Boylan also attended the forum and delivered speeches.

Johnson said he saw Manchester not only as where the Industrial Revolution started but, more importantly, as a "bastion of free trade" where the free-trade movement that started in the early 19th century really broke through the whole principles of protectionism.

"I think it's very important, and I saw this when I was in China myself a few months back when we were the guests of honor at the China International Fair for Trade in Services — the importance of bringing down barriers, ending protections … encouraging free trade and investment," said Johnson.

"I was very aware of the need for me to play my part in that, which is why I have done everything I can to ensure that we have a strong commercial relationship with China, so that our businesses can succeed in China and Chinese businesses can succeed and invest in the UK."

During the forum's panel session, business leaders from companies in sectors including renewable energy, home appliances, finance, and healthcare discussed the strengths of Northern England's industries and the collaboration opportunities in the transition to a low-carbon economy.