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Manchester today presents an energetic and vibrant atmosphere that contrasts sharply with the broader economic sluggishness seen across much of the UK. Even for those familiar with the city’s history, the progress being made is remarkable. Having grown up in Manchester and previously reported on its grand regeneration initiatives from the late 1990s, I find it surprising how the long-term strategies, championed by successive central governments, are now bearing fruit. While the UK economy at large has struggled in recent years, Manchester exudes a sense of tangible and visible growth.
The city’s skyline is rapidly changing, marked by numerous cranes and newly constructed skyscrapers. At street level, thousands of young professionals, graduates, and apprentices—both local and international—populate offices and workplaces that barely existed a decade ago. This vibrant scene was echoed during a recent BBC roundtable with local business leaders. Sean Morton, chief executive of On the Beach, highlighted the remarkable development of the Ancoats district. Lawrence Newman from Beauty Tech Group pointed to the importance of Manchester’s five universities and the tendency of graduates to remain in the city after completing their studies. Meanwhile, Emma Thackray of Hip Pop noted how the emerging food and hospitality sector creates opportunities for new brands like hers to innovate and grow.
Manchester’s economic statistics support the sense of dynamism. Sustaining an annual growth rate of 3.1% over the past ten years, the city’s economy has expanded at twice the UK’s average pace. Public transport usage, particularly on the Metrolink tram system, continues to break records, and after initial delays, the new music arena has invigorated the city’s hospitality industry. This momentum is driven by what economists term “comparative advantage” and “agglomeration,” leveraging Manchester’s young workforce, ample space, and world-renowned cultural institutions, such as its music scene and major sports teams. Notably, the University of Manchester, Europe’s largest university campus, serves as the city’s backbone, providing a deep pool of educated talent critical to sustained growth.
A key to retaining this talent has been the development of major employment hubs including global firms like IBM, Bank of New York, and Booking.com, alongside public sector organizations such as GCHQ. This influx has stimulated job creation in the service industries, spawning a bustling, previously underpopulated city centre. Population data reflects this trend, with Manchester’s population growing by nearly 10% between 2011 and 2021. The city centre’s population alone has surged to approximately 100,000
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