Business leaders gathered on Tuesday 16th June 2026 to hear how Salford is cementing its position as one of the UK’s most dynamic and fastest-growing cities, with public and private sector leaders highlighting the scale of investment, regeneration and economic opportunity transforming the city.
Opening the discussion, Salford City Mayor Paul Dennett outlined the remarkable progress made across the city over the past decade, emphasising that Salford’s success is no longer defined by future potential, but by proven delivery and measurable impact.
Mayor Dennett highlighted that Salford has created 55,000 new jobs over the last ten years – representing a 45 per cent increase and outperforming every other UK core city, while growth has exceeded the national average by more than four times. Alongside this economic expansion, more than 26,000 new homes have been delivered, helping to accommodate one of the fastest-growing populations in the country.
However, Dennett stressed that economic growth alone is not enough. Central to Salford’s vision is the concept of “good growth” – ensuring that investment and development translate into meaningful opportunities for local people.
“Growth is only meaningful if people can access it,” he said, highlighting the city’s commitment to creating pathways into employment, skills, and long-term prosperity. Working closely with partners across education and industry, Salford is focused on building a stronger and more inclusive talent pipeline that aligns workforce development with the needs of key growth sectors.
The city’s partnerships with institutions such as the University of Salford and the recently opened Greater Manchester Institute of Technology are helping to connect skills provision with real-world industry demand, while targeted programmes are opening up opportunities for young people in sectors including construction, digital technology, and innovation.
Looking ahead, Dennett pointed to a development pipeline of 20,000 new homes alongside significant commercial development opportunities. He argued that achieving sustainable and inclusive growth at this scale will require continued collaboration between the public and private sectors, with investment in people proving just as important as investment in places.
Building on this theme, Stephen Young, CEO of Salford City Council, provided an investor and business perspective on Salford’s continuing economic success. He described the city as one of the most compelling growth stories in the UK, underpinned by strong economic fundamentals and a proven track record of delivery.
Salford’s economy now generates more than £10 billion in Gross Value Added (GVA), with growth running at more than double the national average. Productivity levels remain strong, business creation continues to accelerate and Salford now boasts one of the fastest-growing business communities in the country.
Young highlighted the diversity of the city’s economy as one of its greatest strengths. World-class assets such as MediaCity have established Salford as an internationally recognised hub for media, creative and digital industries, while developments including New Bailey and Embankment have strengthened the city’s position as a major centre for financial and professional services.
Importantly, he argued that Salford’s growth story is far from complete. Significant regeneration and development projects are already shaping the next phase of the city’s evolution.
Among the flagship schemes is Crescent Salford, which is emerging as a major innovation district capable of delivering up to 7,000 jobs, substantial new workspace and thousands of homes while linking investment with research, skills and future industries. Meanwhile, MediaCity is preparing for a new phase of expansion, including thousands of additional homes and significant commercial development, reinforcing its position as a leading national and international destination for creative, technology and digital businesses.
Young also emphasised the importance of ensuring regeneration benefits are felt across the wider city, with areas such as Eccles town centre playing a key role in the next wave of investment and renewal.
The event concluded with a clear message from both speakers: Salford’s success has been built on ambition, partnership, and delivery. As investment continues to flow into the city, the challenge and opportunity now lies in ensuring growth creates high-quality places, broadens access to opportunity, and delivers long-term economic resilience for communities across Salford and Greater Manchester.
