guide

A guide to office space in Manchester

In the North West of England, Manchester has the third largest metropolitan economy in the UK. The city has a rich history – it was the site of the world’s first railway station, first stored program computer, and the first successful splitting of an atom. Major industries in Manchester include finance, legal and business services, biotechnology, and tourism. Research is also a strong sector due to the University of Manchester, and the city has developed into an economic knowledge-led centre. Companies with global or regional headquarters in the city include Adidas, Siemens and Kellogg’s. Manchester is also a major distribution point for logistics firms, due to its excellent transport links.

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The location

Manchester is in the county of Greater Manchester, the UK’s second most populous urban area. The commercial hub is located in the city centre, covering Spinningfields, Mosley Street, Deansgate, King Street, and Piccadilly.

Neighbouring areas - price comparisons, per person per month

Below are the prices of serviced offices given on a per person per month basis in the city, and are based on a minimum to maximum average, derived from our Sales Team's knowledge.
Area Indicative price range
Liverpool City Centre   £220 – 250
Bootle   £125 – 150
Birkenhead   £220 – 250
Manchester £300 – 350
Leeds £250 – 450
Sheffield £200 – 350


Manchester

Looking for an office in Manchester

Manchester is a globally-recognised city and therefore attractive for clients who have a big foreign presence. Companies want to be part of its thriving culture, and are keen to have a base there to meet clients, easy thanks to the great transport links.

The redevelopment of the Co-Op headquarters increased demand for office space, as did the relocation of the BBC to MediaCityUK.

Costs

Prices for serviced office space range from £200 – 350 per person per month, although this varies according to requirements and location. These costs also cover amenities, which may include Internet, meeting rooms, kitchen facilities, reception services, AV equipment and parking.

Office sizes

Unlike London, smaller suites consisting of one to ten desks seem to be the most popular. Coworking space in Manchester has also picked up a lot in recent times, with a number of new operators introducing business lounges.

Instant Offices offer a great variety of office solutions, and we're able to accommodate most enquiries, from one person through to 100 or more, depending on the specifics. Providers can be flexible with the layout of workspace, and are happy to discuss partitioning to fit a particular requirement.

Popular Coworking spaces near Manchester

 

Why choose Manchester?

The reasonable prices, excellent transport links, and, if you’re a football fan, two massive clubs make Manchester a great city to work in. It's been ranked as one of the most influential UK cities, as well as a ‘beta’ global city, and one of the most affordable places in Europe. Innovative, competitive and attractive to investors, along with a strong economy and global recognition, it’s the ideal UK location in which to base your business.

Five things you probably didn’t know about Manchester: 
  • Birthplace of the Trade Union Congress on 2nd June 1868
  • Art, tourism, culture and sport provide around 16% of employment in Greater Manchester
  • Manchester University has the largest student population in the UK (discounting the Open University and the University of London)
  • Central Manchester has been inhabited since the Romans built a fort Mamucium there in AD79
  • Over 20 winners of the Nobel Prize studied at Manchester University
Civil Justice Centre, Manchester

A closer look at Manchester

These are the most popular areas in which to rent office space:

Piccadilly

A lovely green area, Piccadilly Gardens is home to a number of recruitment firms. It's also the city’s main transport hub, with excellent bus, tram and train links, including the mainline Manchester Piccadilly Railway Station, with connections to London Euston every 20 minutes. There are a number of retail establishments, restaurants and bars nearby.

Spinningfields

Spinningfields is the city’s newly developed central hub for the banking, legal and insurance services, and notable for its modern architecture. Easily reached by car or bus, there are also excellent local amenities. Tenants include Barclays, Deloitte, Guardian Media Group, and HSBC Bank. A number of law courts are also based in the area.

Ancoats

Ancoats Urban Village is a desirable location for creative companies. A major player in the Industrial Revolution, the area has undergone an amazing transformation. Many of the offices are housed in refurbished historical mill buildings. There are plenty of key retail, leisure and commercial amenities available, along with good transport links.

For more information on the current state of the UK serviced office market check out our UK Flexible Workspace Review 2016.

Want to find out more?

If you’re looking to move into the area, or simply require more information, contact Instant Offices' specialist local consultants.

Email our team or call us and we'll be delighted to help you.


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