Creative, Digital and Technology eCommerce
Manchester is the place where industry innovation, development and deployment happens.
The city is an eCommerce powerhouse that has nurtured several of the UK's homegrown retail tech unicorns including The Hut Group and Matillion.
With almost 3,000 eCommerce and related companies, including our high-growth companies, such as Missguided, Fanatics, Rentalcars.com and Pretty Little Thing, Manchester has what companies who are looking to relocate or expand in the city region need.
The rise of eCommerce in Manchester is supported by the city's diverse ecosystem and strengths in complementary industries such as FinTech, AI and data, cyber security and service design.
These specialisms, combined with the city's established skills in front and back-end development, data analytics and creative marketing, make Manchester the ideal environment for eCommerce firms to thrive.
Manchester’s multi-modal connectivity is ideal for logistics and distribution of goods both nationally and globally, with great rail and road links, direct flights to more than 210 destinations from Manchester Airport, and access to the Atlantic via the ship canal. - creating an appealing hub for global eCommerce.
Sub Sectors
Manchester has the infrastructure in place to support innovation, business growth and commercialisation.
Cyber Security
The UK is committed to tackling cyber security and Manchester, home to the nation’s fastest-growing…
eCommerce
The city is an eCommerce powerhouse that has nurtured several of the UK's homegrown retail tech…
Gaming
Manchester has a fast growing gaming sector and with companies including Team 17, Smashmouth Games…
Artificial Intelligence
Home to a growing number of AI companies including Peak, Dream Agility, and Digital Bridge…
- 3 minutes
Virgin Media O2 UK Set to Open New North West HQ in Manchester
Broadband and mobile operator Virgin Media and O2 (VMO2) has announced that around 1,500 employees are set to move to their new North West HQ in late 2025, which is to be based out of the…
- 2 minutes
Channel 4 set to double its presence in Manchester with new space at St Michael’s
Broadcaster Channel 4 is set to extend its presence in Manchester as it takes up space in the landmark Manchester development, No.1 St Michael’s boosting the city’s creative, digital and…
- 3 minutes
Manchester gains a new unicorn as SafetyCulture raises £85m
Manchester-based SafetyCulture has closed an £85 million round of funding, valuing the company at £1.3 billion. In the UK alone, SafetyCulture’s workplace operations platform is used…
Manchester Tech Festival
Spanning two eclectic weeks and a variety of unique venues, Manchester Tech Festival (MTF) is the beating heart of the city’s tech scene. Whether you’re an aspiring techie, an innovative…
Key Sectors
Manchester's breadth and depth of expertise enables cross-industry opportunities for collaboration and a world-class offer for the international investor.
Advanced Manufacturing
Manchester is at the heart of the UK’s largest manufacturing and advanced engineering…
Creative And Media
Manchester is recognised as one of Europe’s largest creative, digital and technology…
Digital and Technology
As well as being home to a fast-growing £5 billion digital ecosystem, Manchester is…
Financial, Professional And Business Services
Manchester is home to the largest regional financial, professional and business…
Net zero
Manchester offers access to world-leading research facilities, state-of-the-art…
Life Science and Healthcare
Home to world-leading research and development assets as well as the largest clinical…