Manchester City Guide

Population & Landmark…

Manchester is located in the north west of England. The city has a population of around 430000, while the larger conurbation, called Greater Manchester, has around 2500000 inhabitants. In the time of the Industrial Revolution, Manchester was the hub of Britain’s cotton industry.

In the 19th century, Manchester was recognized as the world’s greatest industrial city. Manchester is today a very progressive city that is leading the way in urban regeneration with eye-catching buildings such as the Urbis centre.

Economy…

Manchester is the UK's third largest conurbation and the 14th most populated city in Europe. Manchester is often qualified as the "Capital of North". The city is nowadays a centre of the arts, media, higher education and commerce. Manchester has in the past been recognized as the best place in the UK to locate a business as well as the fastest growing city economically thanks to its tradition of enterprise, creativity and innovation. The city has been selected by the Boho Index in 2003 for the UK’s most creative city, and in 2005 was nominated the 15th Best European City to locate by the European Cities Monitor, and then in 2006, was awarded Britain’s best city to do business award by OMIS.

Manchester is the commercial, educational, cultural focus for the North of England and is now the third most visited city in the UK by foreign visitors. The city is original and modern with a proud tradition of entrepreneurship, creativity and innovation.

Office Rental Levels…

The total take up for 2007 in Manchester was 340000 square feet according to a report from Colliers CRE. The demand of office space in the city has increased by 20% last year, compared to the previous year.

Today, the total stock is standing at over 16m square feet, which is up 5% on the last 2 years. The total occupancy levels are now 14.3m square feet (13.5m sq ft in 2006).

Statistics from Jones Lang LaSalle predict that well over 800000 sq ft of office space is due to be completed by the end of 2008. This is excellent news for the city and it shows that despite the predicted financial climate, office space and serviced offices continue to be built and be sought after.

The market reports from Colliers CRE, Knight Frank and CB Richard Ellis are clearly showing that the city has a high profile and attracts more and more businesses every year, putting it on a par with major capital cities across the world.

Transport…

The city offers great public transport. Manchester airport is located 10 miles south of the centre and is the main airport in the region. It has a dedicated transport interchange that is open 24 hours and links all trains, coaches and buses. Signposted off the M56 to the south of the city centre, Manchester airport is easily reached by road and is well serviced by numerous public transport services.

The total distance from Manchester to London is 164 mile. Driving there would approximately take 2 hours and 59 minutes. The flying time between the 2 cities is about 20 minutes.

The Tourism, Attractiveness of the city…

The city is famed for its vibrant art scene. Bands such as Oasis were born in “the Capital of North England”. The city’s incredible fusion of different styles attracts more and more tourist, coming from the rest of the UK and Europe. Manchester is England’s second city.

As an international sporting centre Manchester’s top of the league. The football pedigree speaks for itself, with the Old Trafford or the City of Manchester Stadium, which hand flavour of Europe’s most exciting football league.

Hundreds of corporate events are organised in the city every year as the city offers prestigious venues, the wealth of facilities and its glorious sporting past.

Useful Links…

Manchester Guide: www.cityguide.travel-guides.com

Citizen’s Advise Bureau: www.manchestercab.org/bureaux.htm

Chamber of commerce: www.gmchamber.co.uk