Why Manchester, and why now?

Manchester is attracting some of the UK’s and the world’s most recognised organisations, and they aren’t simply arriving. They’re expanding, consolidating and making long-term commitments to the city.

BNY Mellon is taking 200,000 sq ft at 4 Angel Square. Arm, Auto Trader, Channel 4 and Starling Bank are expanding their Manchester presence, while Booking.com operates its second-largest office globally from the city.

Amazon and GCHQ have also established significant operations here, while businesses such as Moonpig continue to grow and evolve their presence.

What is driving Manchester’s growth?

Manchester offers businesses a powerful combination of:

• A large and highly skilled talent pool
• Leading universities
• Strength across technology, digital and financial services
• National and international connectivity
• Access to investment and business networks
• Strong collaboration between the public and private sectors
• The scale of a major UK city with a different cost base to London

The city’s national influence is growing too. With Andy Burnham now Prime Minister and Number 10 North operating from Manchester, the city is taking on even greater political and economic significance.

What does this mean for business?

Manchester city-centre office take-up reached 1.14 million sq ft in 2025, exceeding the five-year average.

But behind the numbers are businesses making important decisions about where to establish their operations, access talent and invest in their next stage of growth.

Join LEVEL Workspace for a fireside panel bringing together voices from across Manchester’s business, investment and property communities.

We’ll explore:

• Why global organisations are choosing Manchester
• What is attracting talent and investment to the city
• Why established businesses are expanding their commitment
• What Manchester’s growth means for its workplaces
• The opportunities for businesses already here or considering the city

Why Manchester? Why now? And what does the growing commitment of global businesses tell us about where the city is heading next?

Please note that this event is reserved for members only.
If you are interested in becoming a member, please contact membership@pro-manchester.co.uk for more information