Living and Working in Manchester

Manchester is a major city located in the north west of England. It lies within the county of Greater Manchester and is approximately 160 miles from London and 30 miles from Liverpool. Manchester has its own international airport which is located just south of the city centre and it is considered one of the busiest in the whole of the UK, serving as a major hub for both domestic and international flights. Manchester is served by several train stations and a direct train journey from Manchester Piccadilly station into London can take just a little over two hours.

Manchester’s origins can be traced back to Roman Britain when the Romans established a fort, built near the confluence of the rivers Medlock and Irwell, around 79 AD. After the Roman period, Manchester evolved into a small medieval town, soon becoming a centre for the wool trade but remaining smaller in comparison to other nearby towns. Manchester’s most transformative period occurred during the Industrial Revolution in the late 18th and 19th centuries. It became the world’s first industrialised city, earning the nickname, Cottonopolis, for its pivotal role in the global cotton trade. The construction of cotton mills, driven by new technologies, revolutionised the textile industry and by the early 19th century, Manchester was the largest centre for cotton production in the world.

In modern times, Manchester’s economy is thriving, marked by its transition from an industrial powerhouse to a leading UK city for services, innovation and culture. The city’s role in the government’s Northern Powerhouse initiative has further accelerated its economic growth, positioning it as the largest economic centre in the north of England. While the city is no longer dominated by traditional heavy industry, manufacturing remains an important part of the economy, characterised by high tech production, advanced materials and innovation driven processes rather than the mass textile manufacturing that defined it in the 19th century.

Manchester is one of the largest financial centres outside of London and the city is home to major banking institutions as well as numerous insurance firms and legal companies. The Spinningfields district is a financial hub, housing a mix of banking, legal and professional service firms. The city’s professional services sector continues to grow, driven by high demand in areas like fintech, legal services and consultancy.

The digital and tech sector is one of Manchester’s fastest growing industries. The city is recognised as a major tech hub in the UK, attracting both talent and investment from across the world. Key areas include cyber security, AI, software development and data analytics. Manchester’s Tech North initiative and its role in the Northern Powerhouse have helped foster an ecosystem that supports tech startups and innovation. MediaCityUK, located in nearby Salford Quays, is a centre for digital and creative industries, housing the BBC, ITV and many tech driven media companies. It has positioned Manchester as a leader in broadcasting, production and digital media.

Manchester is home to several leading universities, including The University of Manchester, Manchester Metropolitan University and the University of Salford. Attracting tens of thousands of students both from the UK and abroad, the universities play a crucial role in research and development in many fields. The universities also collaborate with industries, creating research hubs and spin off companies in sectors such as biotechnology, pharmaceuticals and advanced materials. The health and life sciences sector is another area of significant growth. The city is home to a cluster of related companies. Manchester Science Park and Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust play a crucial role in advancing research and development in life sciences.

The city’s growing economy has fueled demand for residential, commercial and office developments. Urban regeneration projects have been a key feature of Manchester's recent development, with large scale projects contributing to the city’s growth and modernisation.

Manchester’s position as a major transportation hub supports a thriving logistics sector. The Manchester Ship Canal and close distance to motorways, make the city a critical distribution centre for moving goods across the UK.

Manchester is a key retail destination with shopping areas such as Market Street, Arndale Centre and the luxury Spinningfields district attracting both locals and visitors. The hospitality and leisure industry has also seen growth, boasting a vibrant nightlife and plenty of restaurants and cultural attractions.

Tourism continues to play a role  and the city’s historical landmarks, sporting events and cultural festivals attract millions of visitors annually. Manchester’s football culture is a major draw with the globally renowned Manchester United and Manchester City football clubs attracting fans from all over the world.

Nearby you can enjoy the stunning natural beauty of both the Pennines and the Peak District National Park as well as many parks and gardens, offering a mix of historical landmarks and peaceful escapes.

The next event being hosted by the UK Careers Fair will be held on October 18th

2024 between 10am - 2pm. The venue is the Britannia Hotel in Portland Street, M1 3LA. The Britannia Hotel is a charismatic and beautiful Grade 2 listed building, situated in the heart of the city.