What Manchester’s 10-year plan means for business
On Wednesday, 30 April 2025, Manchester City Council brought together civic and business leaders to unveil its new 10-year vision. The Our Manchester Strategy sets out a “bigger and bolder” ambition for the decade ahead, with people placed firmly at the heart of the plan.
I attended the launch, alongside more than 300 other Manchester business leaders and stakeholders. My key takeaway? Manchester is the “global city with a local touch”. The city region boasts the fastest-growing economy in the UK but there’s clear recognition that more must be done to make growth equitable and sustainable.
In her foreword, Councillor Bev Craig, leader of Manchester City Council, wrote:
“As we embark on the next ten years of Manchester’s journey, we must continue to build on our unique strengths to become a safe, clean and green, well-connected, modern, must-see city where every resident knows that they belong and feels the benefit of economic growth and the changes to come.”
Global city with a local touch is about a vision that blends big ambition with deep connection. It’s about ensuring that global growth goes hand in hand with community belonging.
With this in mind, at Roland Dransfield, we’ve reviewed the 48-page strategy and identified FOUR BIG THINGS for business. It’s not down to one organisation to solve all the challenges, so here’s how you can align with Manchester’s long-term priorities:
- Skills and education
The local authority has emphasised the need to connect Manchester’s schools, colleges, universities and training providers with employers to build better links between learning and work.
Action point: Build relationships with education and training providers, whether through formal courses and partnerships, mentorship or volunteering. Large employers: what actions are you taking to ensure your workforce fully reflects the diversity of Manchester’s communities?
Good to know: Manchester City Council supports grass-roots and community organisations using funding such as the “Our Manchester VCS Grants Programme”, the city’s largest grants programme for the voluntary and community sector. If you’re looking to partner with a grassroots organisation, this funding could help scale impact and unlock meaningful collaborations that support both community outcomes and ESG goals.
- Housing
Manchester’s ambition is to provide good-quality and affordable homes in attractive neighbourhoods that are well-maintained with good facilities, public services and green spaces. It has set a target to deliver 36,000 new homes in Manchester between 2022 and 2032, including at least 10,000 affordable homes.
Action point: Built environment businesses can support this by engaging in an open dialogue with the public sector, ensuring rented homes are safe and well maintained, reducing carbon emissions in new developments, and contributing to diverse, thriving neighbourhoods. Developers and housing providers could benefit by aligning new schemes with these priorities.
Good to know: Investment in community-led projects can be channelled through Manchester’s Neighbourhood Investment Funds.
3. Economy
Inclusive growth is a core pillar of the strategy. This means creating the right conditions for businesses to grow and scale. At the wider Greater Manchester level there is a focus on improving the productivity of businesses.
Action point: Are you paying your staff the Real Living Wage? Have you signed up to the Greater Manchester Good Employment Charter to promote your practices?
Good to know: Manchester’s growth sectors are life sciences, digital technology, advanced manufacturing and the creative economy. Businesses in hospitality, leisure and culture should also prepare for major opportunities as the city as Manchester doubles down on its vibrant visitor economy.
4. Technology
The strategy calls for Manchester to “embrace technology to achieve our aims, safely and ethically”. That includes a push to scale low-carbon innovation and make digital infrastructure world class.
Action point: Explore opportunities to collaborate with Manchester’s universities on development of artificial intelligence and green technology, which are central to boosting the city’s future economy.
Good to know: Manchester’s overarching goal is to become a “world-class digital city by 2026”. Tapping into its innovation ecosystem could give your business a competitive edge.
At Roland Dransfield, we believe that business has a vital role to play in shaping a fairer, greener, and more resilient Manchester. The Our Manchester Strategy sets out the roadmap, now it’s over to all of us to step up and align with the city’s ambitions. Whether you’re already embedded in the region or exploring your next move, we can help you connect to the right people, initiatives, and opportunities.
Let’s make sure your business is not just in Manchester but part of it. Get in touch: enquiries@RDPR.co.uk
