Whether you’re a freelancer, a startup founder, or a small business owner, Manchester is a place anyone can thrive. And speaking of thriving, Work.Life Manchester has just celebrated its 6th anniversary, marking six years of supporting businesses big and small.

A thriving economy and industry hub

Manchester boasts a diverse economy. The city is a major player in finance, creative industries, and tech, with an economic output of £70 billion annually. It’s home to over 124,000 businesses, ranging from startups to multinational firms. The tech industry alone employs over 100,000 people, making it one of the fastest-growing digital hubs in Europe. Plus, Greater Manchester houses more than 2.8 million residents, so there’s no shortage of talent for businesses looking to grow.

Once the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution, Manchester is now at the forefront of innovation in sectors like green energy, life sciences, and digital technology.

Career opportunities abound

 For jobseekers, Manchester offers endless opportunities. The city was ranked the 3rd best in Europe for business friendliness by the Financial Times’ fDi report. From creative agencies to global banks, there’s a job for every skill set. And let’s not forget the Northern Powerhouse initiative, which continues to pump investment into the region, making Manchester a hotbed for career growth and entrepreneurship.

Fun stat? Manchester has one of the highest graduate retention rates in the UK, with 51% of students staying after university. It’s clear why: an average commute of just 30 minutes, relatively affordable housing, and an increasingly vibrant professional scene.

Why Manchester loves coworking

Manchester has fully embraced the coworking revolution, with spaces like Work.Life Manchester offering dynamic environments for small businesses and remote workers. A flexible workspace doesn’t just offer a desk; it provides collaboration opportunities, networking events, and an inspiring community vibe.

Take Applica, for example. A sustainably focused recruitment business started with just four flex memberships at Work.Life Manchester in 2019. Fast forward four years, and they’ve grown to become the largest occupier at the space, housing an entire team in one of the largest private offices. Their story is proof that flexible workspaces in Manchester are ideal for scaling businesses, offering cost-effective solutions and fostering growth.

The northern charm

Living in Manchester is just as great as working here. Ranked as one of the most liveable cities in the UK by The Economist, Manchester combines affordability with big-city amenities. Think world-class sports, cutting-edge theatre productions, and some of the best street food markets. Plus, it’s significantly more affordable than London, with rent prices nearly 40% lower.

How small businesses thrive in Manchester

Manchester’s support for small businesses is unmatched. With a strong emphasis on community, Work.Life Manchester provides small companies with the resources they need to grow. From workshops to socials, coworking and flexible office spaces are breeding grounds for innovation.

The benefits don’t stop there:

• Networking opportunities: Whether it’s meeting a future client or a potential hire, the coworking culture sparks connections.
• Flexible contracts: No need to commit to long leases, making it easier to scale up—or down—when needed.
• Access to perks: Work.Life spaces offer wellness initiatives, weekly treats, and community events that build your culture for you.

 Manchester has long been a city of ambition and resilience, and its business scene reflects that spirit. Whether you’re looking to start a new venture or grow an existing business, Manchester offers a unique blend of affordability, talent, and innovation.

Ready to see what all the fuss is about? Visit Work.Life Manchester and find out how a flexible workspace can help you take your business to the next level—just like it did for Applica. Because when it comes to making work lives happier, Manchester is miles ahead.

The post What makes Manchester the best place to work? appeared first on Work.Life.

Named the most liveable city in the UK, we’re here to tell you why the city of Manchester is also one of the best places to work! 

Five reasons to rent an office space in Manchester   

Manchester is lively and diverse, bursting with cool things to see and do. You’ll no doubt know about its world-famous football clubs, but did you know it has over 20 art galleries, more than 30 museums and is a thriving hub for performing arts? To top it off, the city showcases a world-renowned Arts festival, and in October 2023, it unveiled the brand-new Factory International venue. 

Let’s delve a little deeper into why the heart of Manchester is the go-to spot for professionals who know how to nail that sweet work-life balance.

1. Endless food options

Ok, starting with the most important stuff – food! Manchester’s got you covered, no matter what you’re craving. If it’s brunch you’re after, Evelyn’s Cafe & Bar offers the classics, taking inspiration from Middle Eastern and Pan-Asian favourites. 

Need something on the go? Federal Cafe Bar is your spot for sandwiches, brunch and gourmet beverages. For dinner, El Gato Negro is the place to go. Think tapas-style dishes in a beautiful restaurant just off King Street. Don’t miss out on the tres leches cake – we have it on good authority that it’s the dessert to get from here.  

But wait, there’s more! Mackie Mayor‘s your go-to for street food magic. Tacos, pizza, ramen, fried chicken – you name it, they’ve got it. And for the sweet tooth squad, Pollen Bakery has got you covered with speciality baked goods like fruity raspberry pastries and cinnamon knots. Or how about the most gigantic buttery croissants? Shut up and take our money!

2. Bustling bars and nightclubs

From laid-back micro-breweries and gastropubs to vibrant bars and nightclubs, you’ll never struggle to find a place for after-work drinks here, that’s for sure.   

Manchester’s trendy Northern Quarter is arguably the city’s go-to nightlife area, with plenty of bohemian bars and lively entertainment venues. Or, for somewhere a bit glitzier, nearby Spinningfields offers the charm you’re after.    

Popular haunts just a stone’s throw away from our coworking space in Manchester include:  

Lane 7 Bowling: Bowling, arcade games, and great vibes. Need we say more? It’s a fun place for a team night out.  

NQ64: More arcade games! Can you spot a theme here? We love this spot for an evening out.  

K2 Karaoke: If you want karaoke in Manchester, this is the place to go to show off your pipes and gain respect from your colleagues (maybe).  

Mulligans: It’s dingy, has sticky floors, but it’s the place for the best pint of Guinness in Manchester. And if there’s music on, you’re onto a winner.  

The Freemount: A laid-back bar that’s always busy, but it’s a great spot for live music. 

3. Easy to get around

For such a big city, Manchester is surprisingly simple to get around, and it’s totally possible to explore the city centre on foot or by bicycle. But, thankfully for busy commuters working in Manchester, it has a fantastic public transport system.   

Buses, trams and trains reach every corner of the city, running from the early hours of the morning until the later hours of the evening (ideal for late-night deadlines or after-work drinks!).  

And get this: Manchester’s rolling out an integrated London-style transport system – the Bee Network – to bring together buses, trams, cycling, walking and rail. There’s even the free bus, providing a ‘hop on, hop off’ service, which links all the main rail stations, shopping districts and business areas.   

 Trust us, with so many public transport options, commuting by car really isn’t worth the hassle!

4. Dynamic business hub

Manchester is in turbo mode in terms of growth in Europe. But don’t just take our word for it – a new report claims that Manchester will see the third-fastest economic growth of all UK towns and cities between 2024 and 2026. It’s also expected to record the fastest employment growth rate of any UK town or city from 2024 to 2026. 

With Manchester’s growing economy and lower cost of living compared to other UK cities, millennials and younger generations are flocking to the city, too. The average age here is a hip 33, while the national average is 40. 

There are also huge opportunities to tap into a pool of top regional talent, with over 100,000 students and five universities across Greater Manchester. 

So, it’s no wonder the workforce here is buzzing with youth and energy, making Manchester the go-to place for anyone looking for a dynamic and exciting place to live and work.

5. Beautiful surroundings

If you need a break from working in Manchester, the city is the perfect base for exploring the wider North of England. You’re pretty much spoilt for choice here. 

The Lake District, the Peak District, the Yorkshire Dales and Snowdonia are all short drives away. And then there’s the rugged beauty of the Lancashire, Cumbria and North Wales coasts. Or how about soaking in the views of the stunning Cheshire countryside? Take your pick! 

Each location offers tons of opportunities for staycations or team-building adventures. 

If you’re looking to stay closer to home, Manchester has many city centre walks to enjoy. Plus, green spaces like Cathedral Gardens and Parsonage Gardens offer a serene escape – and they happen to be a short stroll from our serviced offices in Manchester! 

Bonus reason… we’re here! 

Not to blow our own trumpet, but we think our private offices and coworking space in Manchester are legit amazing and a great reason to work in this epic city.   

Rebecca Weaver, Assistant Manager at Work.Life Manchester, says: “It’s a great location to work in because it’s so central and close to all of our Manchester faves, like art galleries, coffee shops, independent retailers, and the main shopping streets if you need to pop and get something on your lunch break.  

“We’ve got a great network here, so there’s always something going on!” 

You’ll find us in the Core building on Brown Street right by the Arndale Centre – a shopper’s haven with over 200 stores, food outlets and leisure venues (that’s your lunch break sorted!).   

Manchester Victoria and Piccadilly stations are conveniently a short walk away. Plus, we’re right by that popular Northern Quarter we talked about. That means you’re never short of anywhere to eat, drink or socialise; you really couldn’t be in a better location to experience all the awesomeness Manchester offers.   

We’re sure you’re bursting to know more about our coworking space and serviced offices in Manchester. To see it for yourself, book a tour today. Our friendly crew will only be too happy to roll out the red carpet to show you around. 

The post Capital of the North: A Guide to Working in Manchester appeared first on Work.Life.