Mayors back BT’s cyber push and skills drive in Greater Manchester

The Mayors were shown BT’s cyber security capabilities, including how the company helps protect public services, critical national infrastructure and UK businesses big and small from online threats. This complements the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) vision for the next decade, which aims to establish Greater Manchester as a leading centre for security and AI, as outlined in its 10 year strategy. 

They were also updated on BT’s partnership with TechFirst, the government-backed initiative that supports students from all backgrounds to consider a career in tech – including cyber security, AI, quantum computing, software and data. Last year, more than 800 young people were engaged across Greater Manchester through the initiative, with this figure set to grow with the opening of BT’s New Bailey office.

As part of the visit, the Mayors also met apprentices and graduates taking part in BT’s Early Careers Hackathon, where teams worked to solve real world problems, build ideas, and create new concepts for the business. The event coincided with the launch of BT’s 2026 graduate and apprentice recruitment, which includes new roles based in the New Bailey office. Applications are now open on the BT careers website until 22nd February.  

Chris Sims, Chief Commercial Officer, BT Business, said:

“Welcoming the Mayors to New Bailey was a great chance to showcase the important work BT is doing here in Greater Manchester. Our teams are keeping essential services and businesses safe from online threats and helping our customers adopt new technologies and grow with confidence. It’s brilliant to see so many engaged young people developing the skills needed to carry that work forward.” 

Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, said:

BT’s investment at New Bailey shows the scale of the opportunity we have in Greater Manchester to lead the next wave of digital growth.  

It’s been great to see first-hand BT’s commitment to developing talent, strengthening our ambition to be a world-leading digital city region, and our commitment to giving young people clear pathways into well-paid careers.

Together, we’re creating real opportunities to help young people shape their future and thrive.” 

Salford City Mayor, Paul Dennett said:

Investing in Salford's workforce to create training and employment opportunities is a key priority to promote social inclusion, drive economic growth and raise living standards in our city. Salford’s Employment and Skills Strategy 2023-28 has a pivotal role to play in ensuring that Salford residents can access the benefits of the city’s growing labour market and BT’s investment in the digital and cybersecurity landscape is a great example of building a more inclusive economy that benefits more people.”