The longstanding debate regarding England’s second city has reignited, particularly between Manchester and Birmingham, as both cities vie for the unofficial title. This discussion has gained momentum following Manchester’s recognition as the most entrepreneurial city outside of London, based on data from Companies House registrations in 2025.
Recent events, including Manchester’s hosting of the Brit Awards and the Mobo Awards, have further solidified its claim to this title. Andy Spinoza, author of Manchester Unspun, which chronicles the city’s transformation through popular culture, remarked,
„The second city debate to me is a league table that London is always going to be top of. So once you put London in that category of world cities, I think Manchester has a claim to be capital of the rest of everything.“
Spinoza noted a significant trend: more individuals are relocating to Manchester for high-value employment opportunities. Recent statistics indicate that, for the first time in history, more people moved from London to Manchester than vice versa.
Manchester’s Economic Growth
Faisal Islam, the BBC’s economics editor, highlighted the palpable energy surrounding Manchester, stating,
„At a time when the UK economy has been spluttering along for some years, this place smells of growth, and it looks like growth too.“
He pointed out the numerous construction projects underway, with cranes dotting the skyline and a surge of young professionals, graduates, and apprentices filling the workforce.
Manchester’s economy has demonstrated impressive resilience, achieving an annual growth rate of 3.1% sustained over the past decade, which is double that of the UK average. The city is part of a larger urban area known as Greater Manchester, which encompasses Salford and various towns, as well as notable landmarks such as the Trafford Centre and MediaCityUK.
Business Landscape in Manchester
In the M40 postcode, which includes areas like Miles Platting and Moston, business activity has surged. According to analysis from MoneySuperMarket, over 3,000 new businesses were registered in this area in 2025, making it the most active region for new enterprises in Manchester.
Innovative spaces like Pollard Yard, located near Ancoats and New Islington, have transformed shipping containers into vibrant businesses, ranging from cafes to clothing brands. Alex Nixson-Evers from Palms Coffee expressed,
„It feels a bit more manageable than somewhere in town.“
Meanwhile, Megan Foster from Prairie Tattoo noted the affordability of the area, stating,
„It’s very affordable here so it’s a really good place for people to start up their own businesses.“
Filipa Marques from New Dawn Pottery shared her reasons for relocating, saying,
„I decided to relocate to Manchester because it was a bit cheaper and it was very up-and-coming city and it’s a great place for arts.“
Confidence in Manchester’s Status
Some entrepreneurs are so assured of Manchester’s claim to the title of second city that they have incorporated it into their business names. Second City Coffee, for instance, operates in Manchester, providing both retail and wholesale coffee.
Emma Thackray, co-founder of the carbonated drinks company Hip Pop, shared her journey, stating,
„We started Hip Pop in my kitchen. We were brewing kombucha in glass jars and now we make healthier pop here in the heart of Manchester next to Manchester Piccadilly.“
She confidently asserted,
„I think we all know it’s the second city, right?“
The ongoing discourse about Manchester’s status as England’s second city reflects broader trends in urban development, economic growth, and cultural significance. As the city continues to evolve, its claim to this title remains a topic of passionate discussion among its residents and beyond.
