Birthplace of the first stored-program computer as well as the world’s first commercial computer, Manchester has continued to pioneer when it comes to digital transformation.
Recently ranked the UK's Top Digital Tech City across a broad range of industries based on the scale of digital business activity as well as the city's affordability, Manchester has more clout than the capital.
Using open and licensed data, data from the web, AI and machine learning, The Data City analysed the UK’s 29 major cities to identify the Top 10 Digital Tech Cities | 2020. The research considers the breadth of companies already located in the city, the strength of the business community through the volume of industry-specific events hosted as well as affordability.
Complete the form on the right to find out why Manchester is the ideal location for your digital and tech teams >>
In Good Company
Manchester has a thriving community of businesses from start-ups and SMEs to global players and homegrown companies that now IPO above $1 billion, including Boohoo, AO.com and AutoTrader.
These firms sit side-by-side in the city’s digital and technology clusters, incubators and co-working spaces where they converge and collaborate.
The city’s extensive roster of meet-ups and networking events make Manchester the perfect place for companies looking to join forces to drive digital innovation.
The Power of 8
Here’s an overview of the eight digital sectors where The Data City found Manchester to be performing ahead of all other major UK cities. To find out more, get in touch with Hannah our sector specialist >>
AI and data applications are revolutionising all industries and Manchester is publishing the greatest volume of academic research in this field – making it the ideal place to adopt the latest innovations.
The birthplace of graphene and the driving force behind its commercialisation, Manchester is a world-leader in advanced materials and is delivering huge amounts of research in materials science and composites.
Home to global players Raytheon and Northrop Grumman as well as indigenous firms Avecto and NCC Group, Manchester is committed to cyber innovation and recently welcomed national cyber agency, GCHQ.
With a booming property landscape and masses of companies, research and events within the sector, Manchester is an emerging hotspot for construction tech companies.
With a clear history of innovation within online retailing and home to five homegrown unicorns, Manchester is an eCommerce powerhouse where innovation, development and deployment happens.
Manchester’s strengths in AI, data, cyber security and service design support its standing in the IoT arena, as well as the city’s status as the UK’s IoT demonstrator city – providing a platform for expert product testing.
With strengths in multiple emerging technologies and the city’s devolved control of its health and social care budget, Manchester is well placed to drive the development and application of MedTechsolutions.
Any business going through digital transformation can benefit from Manchester’s strengths in service design, user experience and PaaS, with a wealth of companies varying in background and size.
Build your Digital HQ in Manchester
Balancing affordable office space with great transport infrastructure and the broadest range of digital tech skills anywhere outside of the capital, Manchester has become home to some of the most recognised brands in the world.
In 2019, Manchester was recognised as the best UK city for tech professionals based on career opportunities, affordability and quality of life.
If you want to innovate and be part of a vibrant business community, there is no better place to establish digital and tech operations right now.
What's Next?
MIDAS, Manchester’s dedicated inward investment agency, offers free and confidential support that is tailored to individual business needs to help de-risk relocations to and expansions within Manchester.
We have a proven track record of supporting companies with their relocation or expansion plans. We can:
Share market insights
Help you build a business case
Provide location advice
Source potential properties
Advise on recruitment and training
Introduce you to the Manchester business community
Contact Hannah, our sector specialist, to find out more >>
Greater Manchester: Doing Digital Differently
It's Greater Manchester’s ambition to be a top five European digital city region and recognised globally for digital innovation. With digital in our DNA, we’re well on the way to achieving that goal. Greater Manchester Combined Authority has now published its refreshed Greater Manchester Digital Blueprint. This document sets out a three-year approach towards that vision, and will be reviewed regularly in line with the pace of digital change.
The Blueprint details how Greater Manchester will empower people, enable innovative public services, ensure that all businesses are digitally enabled, encourage the creation of new digital businesses, and support Manchester in becoming a global digital influencer.
Get in Touch
Want to find out more about Manchester and why it might be the ideal location for your business?
Get in touch with our sector specialist, Hannah Tracey: