Manchester is poised for a significant transformation with two major developments: the Manchester Digital Campus and the Sister innovation district.

Manchester Digital Campus

Approved by Manchester City Council, the Manchester Digital Campus is set to rise on the former Central Retail Park in Ancoats. This state-of-the-art hub will encompass approximately 900,000 square feet, uniting several Civil Service departments with a focus on digital skills. Designed by AtkinsRéalis, the campus will feature two office buildings, each standing five and six storeys tall. Sustainability is at the forefront, with plans for all-electric power sourced from roof-mounted photovoltaic panels and air-source heat pumps. The development aims for a BREEAM 'Excellent' rating and NABERS 5* certification. Beyond the buildings, the project includes a central lawn and plaza, creating a green buffer to Great Ancoats Street, complemented by tiered gardens and new walking and cycling routes to enhance connectivity. Construction is slated to begin in April 2026, with an estimated build cost of £310 million.

Sister Innovation District

Formerly known as ID Manchester, the Sister innovation district is a £1.7 billion joint venture between The University of Manchester and Bruntwood SciTech. This ambitious project aims to transform the university's former North Campus into a 4 million square foot, globally competitive innovation hub. The latest phase focuses on Zone C, located between London Road and Altrincham Street. Plans include two interconnected buildings, rising 12 and 20 storeys, offering over 500,000 square feet of flexible commercial space. Designed by Allies and Morrison, these structures will house cutting-edge workspaces, leisure areas, and community spaces, all connected by a central atrium. The development also emphasizes the preservation and integration of heritage assets, such as the Grade II-listed Hollaway Wall and viaduct arches, which will be repurposed for retail use. Public consultations are underway to refine these plans, ensuring the district meets the needs of both innovators and the local community.

These projects underscore Manchester's commitment to fostering innovation, sustainability, and economic growth, solidifying its position as a leading hub for technology and industry in the UK.

In a significant shift for the UK contracting market, the government is set to implement changes to the IR35 tax legislation in April 2025, placing the responsibility for determining employment status back into the hands of contractors. While the changes are aimed at simplifying the contracting landscape, the real impact may vary depending on the size of the business. The most notable effect will be on medium-sized companies, particularly those on the cusp of becoming small businesses, as they may find themselves outside of IR35 regulations if they officially transition to small business status. Estimates suggest that around 14,000 companies could be affected by this reclassification.

A medium or large company in the UK is currently defined by meeting at least two of the following criteria:

• Annual Turnover: More than £10.2 million
• Balance Sheet Total: More than £5.1 million
• Number of Employees: More than 50

However, it is important to note that the specific definitions of small, medium, and large companies under the new IR35 rules have not yet been confirmed by the government. There is speculation that these thresholds might change, particularly to ease the administrative burden on smaller businesses, but no official guidance has been released to date.

For large businesses and genuinely small companies, the IR35 changes may not make a significant difference. Large businesses have long-established processes for dealing with IR35 compliance, while small businesses are already exempt from the off-payroll working rules.

What Are the Changes?

The previous IR35 reforms required businesses to assess whether contractors were genuinely self-employed or effectively working as employees, often leading to conservative assessments and increased costs for both parties. The upcoming changes will now allow contractors to decide their own employment status, potentially reducing administrative burdens and restoring autonomy.

What Does This Mean for Contractors?

For contractors, this change is a double-edged sword. On one hand, they gain back control over their tax affairs, which can lead to increased flexibility and potential tax efficiencies. However, with greater control comes greater responsibility. Contractors will need to ensure they are accurately assessing their status to avoid potential tax liabilities or penalties from HMRC.

Impact on Businesses

Businesses are likely to welcome the reduction in compliance burdens and the removal of risks associated with making incorrect IR35 determinations. However, they may still need to exercise caution when engaging with contractors to avoid disputes and ensure clarity in working arrangements.

Expert Opinions

Tax experts have mixed views on the changes. While many believe this move will simplify the contracting landscape, others caution that the risk of misclassification still exists. Professional advice may be essential for both businesses and contractors to navigate these changes effectively.

Conclusion

The 2025 IR35 speculated changes would mark a return to contractor-led assessments, offering more freedom and potentially boosting the contractor market. However, nothing official has been announced yet, and both businesses and contractors should wait for further details from the government. Remaining vigilant and informed will be key to fully benefiting from the new rules while staying compliant with HMRC guidelines. Whether this change will lead to a more dynamic and flexible workforce remains to be seen, but it undoubtedly signals a shift in the government's approach to off-payroll working.

Galliford Try has won a £63m contract to develop Single Living Accommodation (SLA) at RAF Digby, Lincolnshire. This Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) project will deliver modern housing for junior ranks, incorporating energy-efficient and smart building technologies.

Why This Matters for SC Cleared Data Cabling Engineers

1. Increased Defence Infrastructure Demand – With large-scale MoD projects underway, secure and high-performance cabling is essential for modern accommodation, security, and communications.
2. Smart Building Integration – The development will likely include fibre optic, structured cabling, and network infrastructure to support digital security, surveillance, and IoT-enabled energy systems.
3. SC Clearance Advantage – Many military infrastructure projects require Security Cleared (SC) professionals for secure network installations and maintenance.

Potential Roles & Opportunities

• Data Cabling Engineers – Installing and maintaining structured cabling, fibre optic, and copper solutions.
• Network & Infrastructure Technicians – Ensuring secure, high-speed connectivity for military personnel.
• Security & Access Control Specialists – Implementing CCTV, biometric access, and comms systems in line with MoD standards.

With MoD-backed projects prioritising digital infrastructure, SC Cleared data cabling engineers have a strong opportunity to secure long-term work on defence and military developments. Now is the time to position yourself for upcoming contracts.

With US President Donald Trump imposing tariffs on multiple countries, global trade patterns may shift. While these tariffs don’t directly target the UK, they could impact pricing for data cabling and data centres.

Key Impacts on UK Businesses

1. Supply Chain Disruptions

• 10% tariffs on Chinese goods could redirect supplies to the UK, potentially lowering prices in the short term due to surplus stock before demand rises again.
• The US is considering tariffs on Vietnam, Indonesia, India, and Taiwan, which may disrupt global sourcing and lead to fluctuating costs for UK importers.
• Taiwan’s semiconductor tariffs could disrupt networking and cabling components for UK businesses.
• Increased competition among suppliers could drive prices down as alternative markets look to attract buyers outside the US.

2. Tariffs on Europe & UK Considerations

• Potential US tariffs on European imports may impact UK businesses sourcing from the EU.
• The UK could negotiate separate terms with the US, creating opportunities or challenges.

3. Price Volatility – Increases & Decreases Possible

• With tariffs affecting multiple countries, UK importers may struggle to find alternative low-cost suppliers, which could push prices up.
• However, surplus stock from China and supplier competition could lead to price reductions in some cases.
• A universal US tariff system could reshape trade patterns, driving up costs globally, but also creating new pricing dynamics that UK businesses may benefit from.

4. Currency Fluctuations

• Trade uncertainty affects GBP/USD exchange rates, impacting import costs. A stronger GBP could offset some price increases, while a weaker GBP may add to them.

How UK Businesses Can Prepare

• Plan Ahead: Budget for potential price increases but also take advantage of potential price drops where possible.
• Explore Alternative Suppliers: Evaluate domestic and Commonwealth sourcing (India, Canada, Australia) while monitoring shifting trade dynamics.
• Monitor Trends: Stay updated on trade policies, surplus stock movements, and currency shifts.
• Assess Semiconductor Dependencies: Secure alternative suppliers for networking components.

Final Thoughts

With tariffs affecting multiple countries, UK businesses should anticipate both cost increases and potential price reductions depending on supply chain shifts. Strategic planning, supplier diversification, and risk management will be essential for long-term stability.