Overview: A regional powerhouse on the move
Greater Manchester is proving a standout performer in the UK economy. It is outpacing the rest of the country, including traditionally strong regions like London, when it comes to growth rates and investment momentum. The driving force behind this surge is a combination of strategic funding, a coordinated economic plan, and a focus on sustainable, inclusive growth that links business, education, and infrastructure.
The GM Good Growth Fund: A catalyst for transformation
The GM Good Growth Fund is at the heart of the region’s upward trajectory. This fund channels targeted investment into key sectors and places that have the potential to generate long-term productivity gains and job creation. By prioritising projects that improve transport links, unlock brownfield sites for redevelopment, and support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), Greater Manchester is laying the groundwork for a more resilient economy.
Strategic prioritisation
Investments are not scattered aimlessly. They are directed toward areas where the region already demonstrates strength—advanced manufacturing, digital and creative industries, health and life sciences, and green technology. This deliberate clustering helps to create interconnected ecosystems where businesses can scale, talent can flourish, and residents can access quality jobs close to home.
Infrastructure as a growth engine
Improved transport and digital infrastructure are critical levers for GM growth. Enhanced rail and bus networks reduce commuting times, widen catchment areas for employers, and make the region a more attractive location for investment. In addition, city centre regeneration and the redevelopment of underused sites are converting vacant spaces into thriving business districts, offices, and housing that support workforce mobility.
Skills and talent pipelines
A strong talent pipeline is essential for sustaining rapid growth. Greater Manchester benefits from a collaborative approach among universities, colleges, employers, and the public sector to upskill the workforce. Apprenticeships, vocational training, and sector-specific courses align with the needs of growing industries, ensuring that local workers are ready to fill high-demand roles. This alignment reduces skills gaps and supports higher productivity across firms.
Inclusive growth and productivity
Growth in GM is measured not just by headline numbers but by the quality of opportunities available to residents. Inclusive growth initiatives focus on improving affordability, housing, and access to services, while creating high-quality jobs with fair wages. When more people participate in the economy and have access to sustainable work, overall productivity rises, reinforcing a virtuous cycle of growth that benefits communities as a whole.
Innovation and business environment
Greater Manchester’s business environment encourages experimentation and scale. Local leadership supports startups through accelerators, access to finance, and partnerships between industry and research institutions. The region’s culture of collaboration helps companies move from concept to commercial success more quickly, attracting both national and international investment.
What the future holds
While the GM Good Growth Fund has been a crucial accelerant, the continued success of Greater Manchester will depend on sustaining investment, refining regional strategies, and maintaining a clear focus on environmental and social outcomes. As the region builds on its strengths, it is likely to attract even more high-value projects and secure its position as the UK’s fastest-growing economy outside London.
