Summary
There is an ongoing debate about whether Manchester should be considered England's second city after London. Recent growth in new businesses and a strong economy have bolstered Manchester's claim, with notable events such as the Brit Awards adding to its prominence. However, the title remains unofficial, with Manchester and Birmingham both having dedicated supporters.
Key Facts
- Manchester has been named the most entrepreneurial city outside of London based on Companies House data from 2025.
- Manchester hosted prominent events like the Brit Awards and Mobo Awards.
- It has a 3.1% annual economic growth rate over the past decade, outperforming the UK's overall economy.
- More people are moving from London to Manchester than vice versa, for high-value jobs.
- Manchester is part of the Greater Manchester area, which includes cities like Salford and landmarks like Old Trafford.
- Over 3,000 new businesses were registered in Manchester's M40 postcode in 2025.
- Business experts note that Manchester provides affordable and attractive conditions for start-ups.
