The city of Manchester is well known for being one of the wettest places in the UK, and perhaps on the planet. However, there is far more to this city than its incessant rainy weather, and those entrepreneurs who are looking to set up a business may find it has a lot to offer.

In recent years the city’s reputation as a northern powerhouse has been growing, and it is fair to say that there are now many potential benefits of setting up shop there. As such, here are some of the reasons that Manchester is a great city for startups.

Technology

There has been a boom in technology all over the world in recent years, but Manchester looks set to be a star player when it comes to the digital sphere. In fact, it will likely become a global leader in digital technology, meaning that startups which make use of or develop such technology should find Manchester to be the ideal environment for them to flourish.

On top of this, even startups which are not technology-centric will still be able to benefit from the innovation from other technology-based businesses, potentially being the first to have access to new technological developments and getting the edge on competitors.

Manchester features a number of collaborative spaces around the city such as offices available for the needs of the blossoming tech and entrepreneurial community. The city is also known for hosting collaborative spaces showcasing the benefits of a collaborative approach paradigm. This allows companies to benefit from each other by sharing ideas and approaches, as well as working together to tackle various challenges within the areas of operation.

Businesses are also becoming more proficient in the practices of getting the most out of their employees through the promotion of a culture of flexible working time resulting in happier and more productive employees.

Universities

Manchester is also known for its many universities, all of which are home to some of the brightest sparks the country has to offer. This means that startups which advertise for skilled employees should find it fairly easy to find some truly valuable and talented people to join their venture. Manchester University is one of the most sought-after universities in the world and is unsurprisingly number one in terms of graduates entering the fintech sector. In general, the economy of the city features a large workforce employed in the technology sector.

One of the greatest advantages of operating in a city with multiple universities is the sheer range of skills available, and it is fair to say that, as one of the top universities in the country, Manchester University has plenty to offer entrepreneurs in this regard.

Support for young entrepreneurs also comes with initiatives such as Manchester Youth Market focus on primarily on helping adolescents and young adults to realise their entrepreneurial ideas. The programme offers various ways of developments and training to help young people start off. Opportunities such as test trading and an available network of people to collaborate with are available to young entrepreneurs, while some businesses even feature the option of grant applications.

Britain’s ‘Second City’

Finally, the size and scope of Manchester is also something to behold, and it should help entrepreneurs stay well connected with everything they need to run a productive, successful business.

Given that its position in the country is also fairly central, there are plenty of opportunities for businesses operating there to branch out and access any other area of the country with relative ease. Further evidence of the optimism and ambition of the event comes from the business deals and opportunities that are created among the community.

Manchester is a great place for startups to operate in, so it is well worth the consideration of entrepreneurs. With business opportunities galore and a thriving tech scene, it could well hold the key to success.