Bristol faces a tough challenge in its attempt to become the base for the Government's planned £3bn Green Investment Bank, with Manchester becoming the latest city to enter the bidding process.
Greater Manchester's public sector leaders are expected to formally submit a bid later this week – pitching the city against existing interested parties Bristol, Edinburgh and London.
Bristol is making a strong play of its existing 'green' credentials – it is already home to a thriving low-carbon technology and environmental sector – as well its financial services prowess.
But it faces a strong challenge from Edinburgh, which can also claim a strong finance base alongside Scotland's burgeoning alternative energy industry.
The Green Investment Bank will be tasked in unlocking the potential of the UK';s green sector, including major infrastructure projects.
The bank will inject £15bn into the green economy over four years, according to ministers.
