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…
Five sustainable travel projects in Stockport get green light
- 4 minutes
Five proposed additions to Stockport’s sustainable travel network have had the go-ahead for…
Greater Manchester named as UKs most AI ready city
- 2 minutes
Manchester has been named the UK’s most AI-ready city outside London, according to a report…
Salford approves Peel’s Halo West
- 1 minute
A former waste recycling centre next to Junction 11 of the M60 will be turned into a 108,500 sq ft…
Manchester’s ‘outstanding’ Mayfield Park wins Green Flag Award for the first time
- 3 minutes
Manchester’s Mayfield Park has received a prestigious Green Flag Award with judges declaring…
Japan 2025: Greater Manchester sets out plans to boost trade, investment, and cultural connections
- 5 minutes
Greater Manchester is getting ready to take its partnership with Japan to the next level in 2025, as…