Under the leadership of Mayor Andy Burnham, Manchester has transitioned from its industrial roots into a modern hub for tech, media, and finance. For businesses and digital marketers, this shift offers a fascinating look at how regional identity and infrastructure investment can drive commercial success.

Why I Moved Clicky to the Heart of the Action

At Clicky, we do not just observe these trends from afar; we have actively chosen to be a part of them. In late 2025, after 18 successful years in Chester, I moved our agency headquarters to the Northern Quarter in Manchester.

The decision to consolidate our operations in the city was driven by my desire to place our team at the centre of the UK’s most vibrant creative and digital community. This move represents an exciting new chapter for us, allowing our experts to collaborate and innovate within a high-growth ecosystem that matches our own ambitions.

The Power of Devolution

The success of Greater Manchester is often attributed to the "trailblazer" devolution deal. This arrangement has allowed the city-region to take control over its own transport, skills training, and housing budgets. By moving away from a one-size-fits-all approach dictated by Westminster, Manchester has been able to create an environment where businesses feel confident enough to invest for the long term.

Data from the Office for National Statistics has previously indicated that Manchester’s economy often outpaces the national average. The recent Bloomberg analysis suggests that this trend is only accelerating, with the city’s skyline now dominated by cranes and new developments that rival those found in London.

A Tech and Media Powerhouse

One of the most significant factors in Manchester’s boom is the diversification of its economy. The city is no longer reliant on a single industry. Instead, it has built a robust ecosystem for digital innovation that I see in action every day.

We are surrounded by some of the world's most influential organisations that have established deep roots here:

• MediaCityUK: This area has become a global media hub, serving as the home for the BBC, ITV Studios, and Ericsson. It is also a base for major consumer brands like Kellogg’s and educational leaders like the University of Salford.

  
  

• The Northern Quarter: Our own neighbourhood is the heartbeat of Manchester's independent creative scene. While it is famous for its culture, it also houses significant players like the Co-op Group (nearby at NOMA) and a dense cluster of high-growth tech firms and agencies.

  
  

• Spinningfields & St John's: This is the city's financial and professional engine, where you will find global giants such as PwC, Deloitte, Barclays, and NatWest, alongside the creative energy of Global Media & Entertainment.

  
  

• Innovation Districts: The city’s tech credentials are further bolstered by the presence of GCHQ, which has established a strategic hub here, and major tech firms like Google and Microsoft.

This influx of talent and investment is reflected in how global platforms view regional markets. As Manchester’s digital economy grows, so does the sophistication of the advertising and search landscapes we navigate for our clients.

What This Means for Businesses

For brands looking to expand, Manchester represents a blueprint for regional engagement. The city’s growth is not just about physical infrastructure; it is about building a community that supports innovation.

The lessons from Manchester are clear: economic success is closely tied to local empowerment and the ability to adapt to a digital-first world. As the city continues to thrive, it provides a compelling case for further investment in the UK’s regional capitals.