Greater Manchester Economy
Since the days of the industrial revolution, it has played an important role in shaping the UK’s economy. Today, the region is home to more than 2.8 million people, with an economy bigger than that of Wales or Northern Ireland. Manchester’s business strengths have enabled it to develop a strong reputation as a competitive place to do business.
The ten metropolitan boroughs of Greater Manchester – Bolton, Bury, Manchester, Oldham, Rochdale, Salford, Stockport, Tameside, Trafford, and Wigan – represent the largest city region economy outside London, with a gross value added (GVA) of £78.7 billion. In the decade to 2020, the economy grew by 39% from £53.89 billion to £78.7 billion and it has been one of the major UK city-regions driving job growth (84% between 2002-2015), at twice the rate of jobs growth of the north as a whole.
The ten councils– the first statutory “Combined Authority” in the UK outside London – and our Mayor coordinate key issues such as economic development, regeneration and transport. This governance structure has enabled the region to secure greater powers from central government to shape its own future and success.
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…
Manchester India Partnership commits to strengthen trade and investment ties to drive growth
- 4 minutes
Greater Manchester now benefits from direct flights to Mumbai, a new Indian Consulate, and will look…
Zopa Bank expands to Manchester with new regional office
- 3 minutes
Zopa’s vision for a 500-strong northern hub will draw on regional talent to fuel its rapid…
Manchester Announces Major Investment Drive To Accelerate Life Sciences Growth
- 7 minutes
The prospectus, “Investing in Life Sciences in Manchester” outlines the…
Mizkan Announces Major £17M Investment Boost in Greater Manchester
- 3 minutes
Mizkan, the leading Japanese vinegar manufacturer based in Middleton, Greater Manchester, today…
The BRIT Awards Announce Move to Manchester’s Co-Op Live for 2026 and 2027 Ceremonies
- 2 minutes
In a historic move, The BRIT Awards will take place in Manchester for the first time ever, breaking…