Manchester Central Library Visit

On 25th of June, members of the Manchester Consular Association (MCA) had the pleasure of visiting Manchester Central Library, one of the city's most iconic and culturally significant landmarks. The visit offered an enriching opportunity to explore the library’s vast historical collections, stunning architecture, and its role as a vibrant civic space serving the diverse communities of Greater Manchester.

Welcomed by senior library staff, members were given a guided tour highlighting the library’s heritage, including the magnificent domed Reading Room and the beautifully restored Archives+ Centre. The visit also included insights into the library’s extensive international collections, digital innovation initiatives, and educational outreach programs that support local communities and international visitors alike.

This visit reinforced the MCA’s commitment to fostering cultural understanding and collaboration between Greater Manchester and the international community it proudly represents. We extend our sincere thanks to the staff of Manchester Central Library for their warm hospitality and dedication to preserving knowledge and promoting inclusive civic engagement.

Huge thanks to Jackie Pugh, Archive and Access Manager for a very interesting tour which ended by our very own book featured nicely in the Archives Centre.

MCA Business Meeting - GM Business Growth Hub

On the 28th of May a business meeting took place with the Business Growth Hub authority, attended by members of the MCA, organised by the Consul General of Romania, in her capacity as the president of the association.
The event highlighted now Business Growth Hub supports companies by offering free development workshops, free access to financing and free consultancy for businesses in key areas: financing, innovation, human resources, sales, digital and sustainability.
Business Growth Hub plays a crucial role in identifying and harnessing companies’ growth potential by creating a connected and collaborative ecosystem which supports innovation and investments in key sectors such as advanced manufacturing, health, green technology, digital, and the creative industries.
The discussions outlined clear directions for collaboration and concrete initiatives, including:

  • Facilitating access to investments and support for local businesses

  • Creating a common framework to support entrepreneurs and start-ups

  • Organising thematic sessions dedicated to international communities

  • Establishing an efficient and sustainable model for economic partnership

At the end, guests enjoyed a tasting of Romanian Cheeses, meats and wines, set to the enchanting music of Gheorghe Zamfir, adding an authentic and refined touch to the event.

We thank Business Growth Hub for their time, openness and commitment to developing business in Manchester.

The National Graphene Institute

The MCA, arranged by our President Consul General of Romania Nicoleta Teodorovice, accepted an invitation from The National Graphene Institute and were welcomed by Professor Vladimir Falko, Director of the Institute on the 16th of April. Members were introduced to the groundbreaking research being conducted and given insight into potential areas of collaboration in graphene related technologies. We were also given an extensive tour around the world leading facilities, established in 2015.

New President

With President Consul of Italy Matteo Corradini leaving his post in Manchester before the end of his term Vice President Consul General of Romania Nicoleta Teodorovici has formally taken over as President of the Manchester Consular Association. The handover was marked and formalised at Mr. Corradini’s leaving party held at the Midlands Hotel on Friday 29th of March 2025.
The MCA would like to thank Matteo for his work as President and dedication to the association during his time in Manchester and wish him all the best for the future.
We would also like to congratulate Nicoleta on her Presidency and wish her all the best in her work within the diplomatic community in Manchester where she has already proved herself being a great leader and representative.

Meeting at MMU Institute of Sports

The MCA was kindly invited to visit MMU Institute of Sports on the 11th of February. Members were welcomed by Marie-France Pether and Ian Jones from the International , Partnerships of MMU before meeting with Professor Tim Cable the Director of the Institute of Sport along with Eric Lou Head of International, Faculty of Science and Engineering. Members were given overview of the Institute along with a tour of their facilities.

Gala Dinner

Current MCA President Consul of Italy Matteo CORRADINI hosted the annual Gala Dinner, this time at Manchester Hall. We enjoyed a tremendous evening with invited guests, including Mr. Riccardo Smimmo Deputy Head of Missions at the Italian Embassy in London, Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress of Manchester, guests from the FCDO and many others. Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham joined us for a welcome drink and spoke of the importance of the strong relationship the diplomatic community has with Greater Manchester and beyond. Funds were raised for the Mayors Charity, £1500. We would like to thank all our members and their guests for a fantastic evening and look forward to next year.

AGM 2024

Our AGM was held on the 8th of October in the beautiful new offices of Deloitte and kindly hosted by Honorary Consul of Japan Jo Ahmed. We would like to extend huge thanks to Jo and her team who looked after us so well.
Matteo CORRADINI Consul of Italy received the MCA Badge of Office with Nicoleta Teodorovici Consul General of Romania taking up post as Vice President. We wish the both the best of luck in their positions in the coming year and may the association prosper as ever before.

Business Meeting at MMU and Manchester Fuel Cell Innovation Centre

The MCA members were delighted to accept an invitation from Manchester Metropolitan University to visit their Manchester Fuel Cell Innovation Centre, lead by Director Amer Gaffar. Meeting started with an Introduction from Alex Byars, Director of Business Engagement and Partnership about the University and their International Engagement. We were also joined by Annie Brunt, Director of the International Office and Marie-France Pether, International Partnership Manager. We enjoyed a generous buffet lunch before heading over to the Fuel Cell Innovation Centre.

Business Meeting with GM Police Consular Team

The MCA was delighted to be finally be able to host the GM Police Consular Liaison Team at the Austrian and German Consulates on the 22nd of May. Really well attended by our members we were given the up to date information from Consular Liaison Officer Stuart Worthington, Superintendent Nicola Williams and PC Luke Ellwood on increasing knowledge within their force about the cities growing Consular Community. This was a meeting to strengthen ties and share information and we hope to have further meetings in the future.

Business Meeting - Manchester Airport

The MCA was delighted to be invited to Manchester Airport to learn about the future plans of the site, with Terminal 2 being the main focus on development at the moment. We had presentations from both Andy Clarke the Head of Corporation Affairs and Chris Woodroofe Managing Director of the Airport.
Maria Gonzales and Nicole Strickland from GMCA also presented information about the current Internatinal Strategy and future Trade and Business Plans for the Greater Manchester area.

The Event was held at the 1903 Lounge at Terminal 1 at Manchester Airport.

Business Meeting - Factory International

The MCA was delighted to welcome from Factory International, Eva Pepper and Andrea Lowe to tell us all about their new venue named Aviva Studios. They told us about the building and about MIF and its history and connection with the city of Manchester. We also got to know some of the works that have been developed with international partners and how works developed by MIF have gone to travel to world.

We would like to thank Consuls Harald Loeffler and Sandra Morrison for hosting this event at their DAC Beachcroft offices in Spinningfields.

MCA Summer Social

The MCA hosted an annual Summer Social at Cloud 23 at the Hilton on Deansgate on the 28th of June. A beautiful venue with amazing views of the City it was perfect venue to share food and drink and catch up with members and friends. We had a special guest Jonathan Schofield a local historian and tour guide, joining us and giving us a brief history of the city.