In Manchester, we do things differently.
Manchester is a vibrant, ambitious city in the North of England, famous for its diverse communities, world-class cultural scene and friendly Mancunian spirit.
Manchester has long been a city of innovation. As the birthplace of the industrial revolution, the city has driven many technological and scientific developments, from the world’s first passenger railway and the discovery of graphene. Manchester’s worker bee is one of the city’s best- known symbols, denoting the work ethic of Mancunians, and of the city being a hive of activity.
Manchester is proud of its history and heritage but is also looking to the future. The city continues to develop as a centre of national and international significance. Citywide redevelopment continues at a fast pace, spanning commercial, residential, recreational, and cultural offerings, with huge potential for further growth.
Manchester is a global city that is open to the world and welcomes people from all backgrounds, with over 200 languages spoken. It is the 3rd most visited city in the UK after London and Edinburgh, with Manchester Airport, the 3rd largest airport in the UK and the global gateway to the North of England.
Manchester is one of the 10 local authorities that make up the Greater Manchester city region- the largest functional economic area in the UK outside London. The Greater Manchester Combined Authority administers the city region and has long been at the forefront of Devolution and Public Service Reform.
Manchester is a world leader in the fight against climate change, with an ambitious target to become carbon neutral by 2038, 12 years ahead of the UK government’s target. Despite exceeding its own targets to reduce in direct carbon emissions, the City Council declared a climate emergency in 2019 in response to the Climate Change Summit and produced the city’s Climate Change Framework 2020- 2025, a strategy for tackling climate change.
Knowledge-intensive industries are thriving in the city, as Manchester is fast becoming one of the most important city regions in the UK for research, development, innovation with expertise in health and life sciences, finance and professional and digital and tech sectors. The region is renowned for academic excellence and is home to a host of world leading universities, including The University of Manchester and Manchester Metropolitan University, and the globally acknowledged Royal Northern College of Music, one of the nation’s leading conservatoires for music education and research.
Manchester is home to a range of national and internationally significant cultural and performance venues and institutions, including, the Bridgewater Hall, home of the Hallé Orchestra, HOME Manchester, and Aviva Studios, home of Factory International that builds on the legacy of Manchester’s International Festival. Manchester was also honoured to host luxury fashion brand Chanel’s 2023/24 Métiers d’art show.
Manchester is a leader in creative and media industries with the second largest ecosystem in Europe. Anchored by Media City in Salford, the base of large organisations like the BBC and ITV, the University of Salford’s media campus and over 250 digital and media businesses, that support a much wider eco-system of digital and media businesses in the city region.
Manchester is world renowned for its sporting assets, including Manchester City and Manchester United Football Clubs, the National Cycling Centre, and the National Squash Centre. Manchester is the inaugural European Capital of Cycling for 2024.
For more information about developments in the city of Manchester, visit the ‘Think you Know Manchester’ website.
