Following a decade of strong economic growth in Manchester, averaging 3.1% per year between 2015–2025*, 90% of North West businesses report** feeling confident about future prospects, with 80% expecting earnings to rise compared to a national average of 67%.
The North West is highlighted as “a region shaping the UK’s next era of growth”, thanks to factors including Manchester’s rapidly-scaling fintech sector and a strong talent pipeline from Manchester’s five resident universities, with 53% of businesses confident in their ability to recruit future talent.
Manchester is a city primed for growth, combining strong foundations and fresh-thinking talent to fuel future success.
Source: KPMG Private Enterprise Barometer, 2026.
