Why Business Investment Matters for Jobs, Wages and Everyday Life

About

As part of the ESRC Festival of Social Science 2026, this event explores the Festival’s theme of Money, Finance and the Cost of Living through the lens of business investment and economic growth. Hosted by The Productivity Institute at The University of Manchester, the session brings together research, real-world business experience and audience participation to explore how firms make investment decisions and why those decisions matter for jobs, wages, productivity and living standards. Agenda: - Interactive investment challenge: Put yourself in the position of a fictional Greater Manchester engineering firm facing an investment decision, and consider how financing costs, uncertainty and growth opportunities affect whether the investment goes ahead. - Research insights: Hear research findings from TPI Research Associate Yongyi Xue on UK businesses and explore how financing conditions and firms’ own investment decision rules are related to whether and how much they invest. - Business perspective: Hear from Janine Smith, Executive Director of Greater Manchester Business Growth Hub, about the investment challenges she sees among businesses across Greater Manchester, including finance, demand, uncertainty, technology and growth. - Audience discussion and Q&A: Compare the research evidence with real-world experience, share perspectives and discuss the challenges businesses face when deciding whether to invest. - Key takeaways: Reflect on why business investment matters for productivity, employment, wages and living standards, and what shapes firms’ willingness to invest. Who should attend? This event is open to anyone interested in understanding how business decisions shape economic outcomes, including students, professionals, policymakers, business owners and members of the public.