Growth Engine.
Global Impact.
Economy
Greater Manchester has been shaping the UK economy for more than 200 years and today, it stands as one of the country’s most important and dynamic business locations. Home to more than 2.8 million people, the city region has an economy larger than that of Wales or Northern Ireland, offering businesses the scale, diversity and resilience they need to succeed.
Made up of ten metropolitan boroughs – Bolton, Bury, Manchester, Oldham, Rochdale, Salford, Stockport, Tameside, Trafford and Wigan – Greater Manchester is the UK’s largest city region economy outside London. Together, it generates £100 billion in gross value added (GVA), creating a broad and balanced economy that supports businesses across sectors, sizes and stages of growth.
A thriving, ambitious business environment
Greater Manchester is recognised as one of the UK’s fastest-growing and most productive city regions. Over the past two decades, employment growth has consistently outperformed the national average, with job creation accelerating at twice the rate of the North as a whole.
This sustained momentum has built a robust, low-risk environment for investment that combines commercial opportunity with long-term stability. Businesses benefit from a deep supply chain, strong consumer markets and a culture of collaboration that supports innovation and expansion.
Leadership that drives growth
Greater Manchester was the first city region outside London to form a statutory Combined Authority, bringing together its ten local councils and an elected Mayor. This devolved governance model enables the region to take greater control over economic development, regeneration, skills and transport.
For businesses, this means clearer leadership, faster decision-making and a joined-up approach to growth — creating the conditions for investment to thrive and ambitions to be realised.
A city built on innovation
Innovation has always been part of Manchester’s DNA. From powering the Industrial Revolution to pioneering scientific breakthroughs such as graphene. Today, that legacy continues through a strong focus on digital, data, advanced materials and frontier sectors.
Greater Manchester’s Innovation Blueprint brings together business, academia, government and science to accelerate growth across the economy. The programme is set to deliver £7 billion in economic benefit, create 100,000 jobs and significantly increase investment in research and development.
The region’s innovation credentials are also reflected in its strong tech investment performance, with Manchester consistently ranked among the UK’s most attractive cities for venture capital and high-growth investment.
the uk's fastest growing economy
- £0bn
in Gross Value Added
- 0x
job creation accelerating at twice the rate of the North of England
- 0.9m
people call Greater Manchester home
an economy built for the future
With scale, strong governance and a proven track record of growth, Greater Manchester offers businesses a compelling platform for relocation and expansion. It is a city region that combines opportunity with ambition. One that continues to shape the future of the UK economy.
