Historically known as the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution, Greater Manchester has evolved into a diverse hub of industry and creative enterprise. No longer just a centre of historical significance but a dynamic melting pot of cross-sector business communities.

Greater Manchester now has the opportunity for exponential growth, as the world continues to embrace ever evolving digital and technological advancements.

Putting our city on the global map of creativity 

There are over 19,000 digital, creative, and tech companies in Greater Manchester, with 156,000 people working in creative and digital roles across the North West. The region has contributed £6.5bn in direct regional gross value added (GVA), making it the highest-performing creative cluster outside of London.

MediaCityUK in Salford Quays serves as a prime example of our flourishing creative sector and, as the adopted home of the BBC and ITV, it’s a hotspot for many other creative and digital businesses.

In 2024 The Chanel Métiers d’Art show in Manchester’ Northern Quarter significantly bolstered the city's reputation as a global capital of creativity. Chanel spotlighted Manchester’s dynamic blend of tradition and modernity, celebrating its influential role in fashion, music, and the arts.

GM Business Growth Hub and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) were able to support several local businesses to attend the SXSW conference in Austin, Texas in both 2023 and 2024. The businesses were selected to take part in the official Mayoral delegation, as a key ambassador for our thriving creative industries, representing both themselves and Greater Manchester at this major global event.

These examples demonstrate the positive impact of a supportive and collaborative ecosystem.

Moving forward with combined efforts 

The business community in Greater Manchester has shown remarkable resilience in overcoming the adversity caused by the global pandemic, and prior to that, several years of government austerity. With varying support, local enterprises have adapted and pivoted, leveraging digital transformation and new business models to survive and, in many cases, thrive.

At the GM Business Growth Hub we pride ourselves on our ability to help businesses triumph over adversity and we understand that a joined up and client centred approach works best. By working alongside universities, local authorities, corporate partners and community organisations, we can support the development and growth of businesses within the creative industries, not just in Greater Manchester but across the North of England. Local leaders across the regions, alongside leading figures in the creative industries, have come together to commit to developing a “Northern Creative Corridor” (NCC), making it ‘one of the best regions in the UK for creative industries to thrive’. 

By linking key cultural and business districts, the Creative Corridor will enhance accessibility and connectivity, encouraging creative enterprises to further flourish and integrate.

Join us to Create Growth

Central government has now recognised one of the most challenging areas for the creative industries: investment and funding. As one of twelve regions identified by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) for its growth potential, Greater Manchester has been awarded £1.275 million in grant funding for the Create Growth programme.

This is a fully funded programme designed to empower creative founders to improve their value proposition, realise their growth potential and explore the investment landscape.

Led by industry professionals, Create Growth takes business leaders through an in-depth, two-day cohort programme designed to drive business growth. Participants will also be able to attend follow-on coaching sessions and masterclasses on various specialist topics with shared interest, such as leadership for growth, branding manifesto, and innovation strategy.

A significant benefit of the Create Growth programme is the access to a dedicated creative sector specialist business advisor on an ongoing, one to one basis. 

For more information on the Create Growth programme, and to apply for our next cohort, please go to:   

Business Growth Hub | Create Growth