Does any similar-sized city have better branding than Manchester? Our metropolis has been one of Britain’s fastest-growing – in terms of both economic value and population – over the past 20 years, outpacing other cities with its customary swagger and vibrancy. Data released earlier this month from the Northern Powerhouse Partnership, meanwhile, shows Manchester’s productivity rate, which is the key to sustainable growth and productivity, also beats other cities.
Certainly, compared to the city I first moved back to in the early 2000s, having trained here in the early 1990s, Manchester is transformed, particularly our gleaming city centre, where glass and steel skyscrapers towers sit alongside Victorian architecture. I see plenty of that in Castlefield, where our office is based in a Grade II-listed chapel with 21stcentury buildings as our neighbours.
It feels like the city has almost unstoppable momentum, and that sense is backed up by data from EY that predicts only tech-focused Reading will record stronger economic growth than Manchester over the next three years. Yet nothing is a given, particularly with the current geopolitical tensions. Ambitious as the city is, it must continue to get things right to extend its winning streak. More importantly, Manchester must address the areas where it could do better.
Naturally, businesses look to national and local government to be reassured that the city will remain on the right path. Last month Manchester was name-checked in the chancellor’s spending review, with renewed backing for Northern Powerhouse Rail. I know from speaking to clients that such commitments are very welcome – yet they are also overdue. And they aren’t enough on their own.
City leaders are busy creating plans for growth and prosperity too. In recent months, Manchester City Council has published its Our Manchester Strategy 2025-35, which sets out a vision for the next decade. The plan is spearheaded by council leader Bev Craig and takes in not just the economy but factors as diverse as health, climate change and culture.
It’s an impressive, ambitious document, and one I urge fellow business leaders to take the time to read. I’m encouraged by a focus on three areas in particular, a trio that I believe will be fundamental to Manchester’s success over the next ten years.
Three keys to success
The first is creating world-renowned things for everyone to see and do, showcasing our talent for sport and culture and elevating Manchester’s brand on a global stage. We work with many of the venues that allow the city, as well as neighbouring Salford, to host world-class events and attract visitors and attention. These include the AO Manchester Arena, Aviva Studios, Manchester Central convention complex and The Lowry theatre.
These venues and others are key to creating a vibrant city that encourages both residents and visitors alike to spend time in these places. We all know that people across the world think of sport, music and culture when they think of Manchester, so it’s right we’re embracing our unique heritage as we look to the future.
Then there is Manchester’s growth industries. The city council’s strategy makes it clear that Bev Craig and her team think the best bet for future prosperity is to get behind a clutch of high-value sectors, with a focus on life sciences, digital technology, advanced manufacturing and the creative economy. Helpfully these industries were included in the government’s industrial strategy, with the hope they will drive the UK’s economic growth. Ministers also name-checked financial and professional services – areas where Manchester also excels.
Finally, we need to embrace the technology that will allow us to meet the city’s aims. Much of this will come from collaboration between the private sector and our leading universities to foster innovation. We probably all need to get better at this: look beyond our own businesses and networks, join forces and collaborate.
Stepping forward as business leaders
Backing the sectors most likely to create the quality jobs and economic value that will build the Manchester of tomorrow: for me, that is absolutely the right strategy. Our lawyers will continue playing their part in this ambition by advising and supporting the entrepreneurs and companies that will drive this vision forward.
Alongside this, running through Manchester City Council’s strategy is the clear goal to ensure the city is a great – and fun – place to live. We shouldn’t underestimate this when we as businesses think about attracting talent. People starting their careers crave things to do and places to meet. Parents want their children to grow up with a city of opportunity on their doorstep.
As for business leaders, what else can we do to help? First, let’s engage and show our willingness to contribute to the future being mapped out for Manchester. And second, let’s be useful by sharing our ideas with political leaders.
The city, after all, belongs to all of us. We should be ambitious in nurturing it.
