A Leading Shared Services Centre
Manchester is one of Europe’s leading shared service centre (SSC) locations having amassed a large, qualified workforce specialising in finance, procurement, HR and IT, resulting in a highly developed industry structure.
The city-region has a proven track record of delivering back office solutions and operational support functions that is unrivalled in Europe and has led some of the world’s biggest brands to establish SSC and contact centres in Manchester.
The region is home to more than 45 shared service centres as well as 250 contact centres including global names such as BUPA, Latham & Watkins, Marks & Spencer, Ford Credit Europe, PZ Cussons, SPX and WorldPay; creating an established network of expertise and labour.
For new central delivery teams, Manchester provides the expert knowledge, skills and guidance to ensure the establishment of an efficient and successful operation. Having such an evolved SSC industry, Manchester can also provide more mature cross-sector business functions with support and technology expertise, in areas including robotics and automation, to guide them through evolution and often become more cost-effective.
Located at the heart of the Northern labour market, businesses in Manchester have access to one of Europe’s largest commuter workforces. With 7.2 million people living within a one-hour drive of the city, companies can access a wider range of expertise to make their operation successful. Manchester also boasts a multi-lingual workforce with more than 200 languages spoken meaning companies can better service global clients and customers directly from Manchester.

Deborah Walker Head of Inward Investment - Financial and Business Services
Sub Sectors
Manchester has the infrastructure in place to support innovation, business growth and commercialisation.
FinTech
As the UK’s Top Digital Tech City and with the largest regional financial and professional services…
Shared Services
Manchester is one of Europe’s leading shared service centre (SSC) locations having amassed a large…
Northshoring
Manchester is a prime northshoring location for companies moving or expanding operations from London…
Green Finance
Greater Manchester is the place where the UK’s largest regional Financial Services sector meets with…
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3 minutes
University of Manchester ranks in top 5 universities for spinout generation
The University of Manchester has been ranked the fourth highest academic institution for the total number of spinout companies generated in the Spotlight on Spinouts 2025 report. Between 2011…
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1 minute
Stephen Young Named New Chief Executive of Salford City Council
Stephen Young, the current chief executive of Halton Council, has been appointed to take over as the chief executive of Salford City Council, succeeding Tom Stannard. Stannard departed at the…
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4 minutes
Greater Manchester invests £10m to support Greater Manchester residents to live well
Leaders of the ten Greater Manchester local authorities have voted to support £10m of investment to help start the development of GM Live Well, Greater Manchester’s commitment to ensuring…
Fintech Lunch 2025
Be part of an engaging Fintech Lunch that brings together industry professionals, innovators, and enthusiasts to delve into the fast-paced world of financial technology. This exclusive lunch event…
Family Business UK Annual Conference 2025
An afternoon dedicated to family-owned businesses, looking at the impact of the Inheritance Tax changes announced in the recent Budget. Family businesses are built on legacies – but sustaining…
North West Business Expo 2025
The North West Business Expo takes place in the 73 metre Premier Suite of the Bolton Stadium Hotel. Each year, the event attracts over 120 exhibitors, and at least 1800 visitors over the course of the…
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…


