BUSINESS experts in Greater Manchester have voiced their optimism following a £1.3 billion of investment announced by the Chancellor in the Autumn Statement.
The positive noises have come from New Economy, a policy and strategy organisation and The Manchester Growth Company.
The two bodies point to growing emphasis on the recent devolution proposals and Manchester's strategic role in the "Northern Powerhouse".
The latest Manchester Monitor - a snapshot of the conurbation's socio-economic indicators - adds further substance to growing optimism around Greater Manchester's economic future, the two organisations say.
Latest data available says Jobseekers Allowance (JSA) claimants are down 39.6 per cent compared to this time last year.
Manchester Airport's passenger numbers remain on the rise (up 4.9 per cent, year-on-year in September 2014), hotel occupancy in Greater Manchester is up by 1.3 per cent (since October, 2013) and the average cost of a house in the county is £108,500 up by 5.2 per cent on last year.
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