As the first industrialised city in the world, Manchester boasts a rich history of thriving industries and cultural transformations.
However, the city has undergone a different kind of revolution in recent years. Rather than constructing railways and opening warehouses, Manchester is producing exceptional creative work and becoming a bustling hub for high-flying agencies.
This creative resurgence is an incredibly exciting time for the city, opening up amazing opportunities for promising talent and ambitious employers.
But how has Manchester established itself as a booming creative hub? And why are so many businesses putting down roots in this incredible city? Let’s explore the factors contributing to this transformation, and examine why this creative agency ecosystem is flourishing.
1. A fast-growing talent pool
Manchester has successfully nurtured a diverse and skilled talent pool, which is a huge advantage for creative agencies looking to expand their workforces. A wealth of creative talent is now available to agencies in the city, from designers to copywriters to marketers and web developers.
A major factor here is the thriving university scene in the city.
Academic institutions like the University Of Manchester and Manchester Metropolitan consistently produce talented graduates who are looking for career opportunities. Not only that, but these younger hires often bring fresh perspectives and new ideas, helping creative agencies to drive innovation and remain competitive.
In addition, 51% of students from Manchester’s universities choose to remain in the city after graduating - only London has a higher retention rate in the UK. This means that homegrown talent is readily available for ad agencies, who can focus on building a strong company culture with a long-term vision.
2. A thriving start-up/tech scene
Manchester has developed an incredibly dynamic digital & tech ecosystem, quickly becoming a magnet for creative agencies. In fact, Manchester is now established as the largest tech hub outside of London, with tech firms having generated a record-breaking £532m in funding in 2022.
As investment grows in Manchester, so do new opportunities for agencies looking to capitalise on increased funding and plentiful talent.
A staggering 1,600+ startups are now active in the city, which also provides creative agencies with an exciting, progressive environment to thrive in. For growing businesses keen to connect with like-minded partners, Manchester is a fantastic destination.
Plus, investment in Manchester-based innovation hubs doesn’t appear to be slowing down anytime soon.
Digital hub MediaCityUK is expected to double in size as part of a £1bn expansion plan, while many other commercial projects (designed to support start-ups/small businesses) are launching across the city.
3. Affordable working & living costs
Manchester also offers lower living costs and cheaper workspaces compared to cities like London, which is another hugely appealing factor for creative agencies. Numbeo data from 2021 suggests that Manchester is approximately 32.54% cheaper than London in terms of general living costs, particularly when it comes to housing/accommodation.
The city has seen a dramatic rise in the number of co-working spaces available, which is excellent news for small, agile agencies looking to set up shop. Larger agencies, on the other hand, can also find modern office spaces to accommodate their creative teams, often located in vibrant areas of Manchester.
With companies able to afford premium workspaces and employees able to enjoy a more reasonable cost of living, it’s no wonder that Manchester has become a hotspot for creative agencies.
4. A vibrant, unique culture
Manchester boasts a truly unique, captivating cultural scene that lends itself to creativity and innovation. The city is a superb backdrop for creatives to draw inspiration from and has provided many agencies with a springboard for success.
Manchester has a rich artistic history that can be found throughout the city, from cultural landmarks (e.g. museums, art galleries) to trendy districts and iconic buildings.
It’s not just about affordable co-working spaces and desirable offices. In Manchester, creative agencies can find the environment they need to encourage outside-the-box thinking, build positive working atmospheres, and tap into an industry with a lot of momentum.
5. Infrastructure and connectivity
On a more practical level, Manchester also offers convenient transport links that contribute to a sense of community and accessibility. It’s extremely easy for both clients and colleagues to travel for meetings across the city, meaning agencies can maintain strong business connections.
The proximity to several major cities and airports also opens up valuable opportunities for working relationships beyond Manchester - and even the UK itself.
Whether creative agencies are hoping to service domestic clients or expand a global footprint, Manchester offers the infrastructure they need to achieve their goals.
Manchester has undergone a significant creative renaissance in recent years, and it’s easy to see why. The city offers a perfect combination of cultural heritage, talent, affordability, investment, and connectivity - everything creative agencies need to prosper.
As the city continues to evolve, the creative agency scene will undoubtedly follow suit, strengthening Manchester’s growing reputation as a hotspot for innovation, artistry, and expression.
If you’re a creative agency looking for support with key hires in finance, HR, operations, or client services, then don’t hesitate to get in touch with Aled Evans ([email protected]) to discuss your options.
