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 £74.85 billion. In the decade to 2020, the economy grew by 39% from £53.89 billion to £74.85 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…
English National Opera to move to Manchester
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The English National Opera (ENO) is to move to Manchester under plans announced by Arts Council…
Greater Manchester strikes historic deal with Osaka on opening day of Japan mission
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Greater Manchester has signed a landmark new partnership deal with Osaka on the first day of a…
BBC to create ‘daytime TV powerhouse’ in Salford
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The BBC has outlined plans to expand its news operations to MediaCityUK by moving its News at One…
Greater Manchester sets vision to grow world-leading responsible cyber capabilities
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Greater Manchester is the UK’s Top Digital Tech City outside London and the nation's…
Greater Manchester Investment Zone targets growth and jobs in advanced manufacturing sector
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More than 30,000 jobs and £1 billion of private sector investment forecast for the Greater…