A vibrant and welcoming city in the Northwest of England, Manchester is often referred to as the UK’s ‘tech city’ with a thriving startup scene. It’s also a major business, finance, and culture hub, with a host of addresses and virtual offices catering to many different industries.
Manchester is also home to five universities and over 100,000 students, producing 40,000 graduates every year. As a result, it’s a great location for businesses looking to attract fresh talent.
These are a few of the reasons why it’s an ideal city to run a business in. And with a healthy flexible working climate, virtual offices in Manchester can provide all the city’s advantages at a fraction of the cost.
With that in mind, this article will focus on how setting up a virtual address in Manchester can benefit businesses of all types and industries.
Why you should establish a business presence in Manchester
The EIU's 2022 Global Liveability Index named Manchester the UK's most liveable city. However, aside from its appeal to locals, Manchester has a strong and growing economy, which makes it perfect for business.
Let’s take a look at some of the main benefits of having a business address in Manchester.
1. Enhanced credibility
A virtual address in Manchester puts you close to big brands and industry leaders. Operating in such a robust and diverse city is a great way to give your business instant gravitas and credibility.
Aviva, Kellogg's, and the Co-operative Group are just some of the prominent companies that call Manchester home. The city also has a strong fashion and retail presence, with companies like Boohoo, Missguided, and JD Sports headquartered in the area.
2. Geographical expansion
Manchester’s modern business landscape expands far beyond the city centre. For example, Salford Quays is home to MediaCityUK which hosts many high-profile studios and production companies, such as BBC North and ITV Granada.
Trafford Park is a popular destination for manufacturing and is the location of such prominent businesses as Procter & Gamble, L’Oreal, and Adidas. It’s also close to the famous Old Trafford football ground which attracts millions of visitors every year.
Establishing virtual offices in Manchester provides proximity to these thriving hubs as well as the overall city’s wider business ecosystem.
3. UK's 'tech' city
There are an estimated 1,600 startups and scale-ups in Manchester, employing a workforce of around 60,000.
In 2022, these companies secured £532m in funding. And, with the fintech sector alone worth £1 billion, it’s no wonder Manchester is one of the UK’s top choices for tech startups.
Many prominent tech companies also have a presence in Manchester, including the likes of Amazon, Microsoft, and Google. The overall digital and technology industry in the region is worth £5 billion and spans over 10,000 companies.
With minimal overheads, establishing a mailing address in Manchester is achievable even for new startups looking to capitalise on this thriving tech industry.
4. Scalability
One of the major advantages of a virtual office address is the freedom to scale quickly and easily. With no physical office space to worry about, you can increase your headcount with minimal impact on your overheads.
With a variety of virtual office packages available, you can use meeting rooms and coworking spaces in your Manchester office as and when required.
For days when you need to impress important clients or investors, you can hire a day office.
Virtual address services also come with flexible contracts. If your business grows and you need an in-person workspace for the short or long term, you can consider changing your virtual office in Manchester into a physical one.
5. Business growth
Greater Manchester has the third fastest-growing economy in the UK. With a current GVA of £74.85 billion and a population of 2.8 million people, it has a bigger economy than both Wales and Northern Ireland.
This economy is set to continue growing, with many high-profile and valuable investments being made in business and infrastructure in the area.
For example, six top universities across the North West have partnered on a £1.2 million project to support the region’s economic growth. The NW CyberCom project will focus on developing cutting-edge cybersecurity research.
Manchester’s knowledge quarter, Oxford Road Corridor, is also a fulcrum of innovation, research, and economic activity.
It has state-of-the-art facilities and several industry clusters for life sciences, health innovation, med tech, and more. Given this, it’s an exciting and fast-growing location for ambitious businesses.
6. Supportive ecosystem and collaborative business community
With a prominent startup scene and a focus on innovation and growth, the Manchester business ecosystem is diverse and welcoming.
Whether you work in fashion, logistics, or finance, you’ll find plenty of like-minded professionals willing to share ideas.
Many organisations, such as The Manchester Connected Health Ecosystem, work to maintain and strengthen Manchester-based businesses.
These, along with organisations like Pro Manchester and Manchester Digital, host regular events. Such events encourage businesses across various industries to collaborate and share knowledge.
Local authorities also often contribute, investing in new and growing businesses. Having a Manchester business address could provide access to grants and a supportive network.
7. Finance opportunities
With an industry workforce of 280,000, Manchester has the largest financial, professional, and business services ecosystem outside of London. Examples of well-known businesses include Barclays, AXA, and BNY Mellon.
Manchester was also ranked the UK’s Best Large European City in the Financial Times’ FDi European Cities and Regions of the Future 2023/24 report.
With a strong and growing finance industry reputation, a business address in Manchester could prove beneficial for business.
8. Talented workforce
According to the Office of National Statistics, 45.1% of Manchester’s working-age population in 2021 had a degree or higher. This was higher than the national average of 42.8% across England.
In addition, 62% of Manchester’s working-age population have at least two A-Levels or an equivalent qualification.
As well as the city’s five universities and thousands of students, there are a further 25 universities within one hour of Manchester.
With this in mind, a virtual office in Manchester gives you access to skilled graduates from a talent base of over 400,000 students.
Top virtual business addresses in Manchester
While Manchester is a fantastic location for any business, it’s important to find the right virtual office for your specific needs.
From industry clusters to transport links for occasional face-to-face meetings, there are a variety of factors to consider. To help you find the best virtual office in Manchester for your business, we’ve compiled a list of our seven top choices.
Spinningfields
Brimming with bars, shops, and restaurants, Spinningfields is a vibrant neighbourhood for both work and play.
It’s particularly popular with businesses in the finance and professional services sectors. As a result, it’s also full of exciting startups in the fintech space.
The Spinningfields office is in the heart of this neighbourhood, in one of Manchester’s tallest buildings. For days when you need to meet with clients, the building’s double-height atrium and glass facade make a fantastic first impression.
Highlights include
● Meeting rooms
● Break-out areas
● Bicycle storage
● Outside seating area
● Secure underground parking
● On-site showers
Information about Spinningfields
● Location: 3 Hardman Street, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M3 3HF
● Starting costs: Business Address from £109 per month
● Opening hours: 24/7 for Private Office and Dedicated Desk members, reception hours for other members
● Nearby stations: Salford Central Train Station (an eight-minute walk away), Deansgate Train Station (an 11-minute walk away)
Digital World Centre
Our Digital World Centre office is great for businesses that want a mailing address close to Media City. Along with the BBC, the area is also home to around 250 businesses in the creative and digital industries.
This makes it an excellent Manchester address for creative startups, digital marketing agencies, and television production companies.
For events and pitches, the building also has conference facilities, as well as a 100-seat auditorium and exhibition space.
Highlights include
● Meeting rooms
● Break-out areas
● Outside seating area
● Sandwich service
● Secure underground parking
● On-site showers
Information about Digital World Centre
● Location: The Quays, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M50 3UB
● Starting costs: Business Address from £139 per month
● Opening hours: 24/7 for Private Office and Dedicated Desk members, reception hours for other members
● Nearby stations: Harbour City Tram Stop (a one-minute walk away), Salford Crescent Train Station (a 26-minute walk away)
125 Deansgate
125 Deansgate is an ideal place for businesses looking for a virtual address in Manchester city centre. Within walking distance of Spinningfields, it’s particularly great for fintech and finance companies.
For client and investor meetings, the building offers plenty of natural light as well as fantastic views of the city. For post-meeting entertainment, the area is brimming with cocktail bars, world-class restaurants, and high-end boutiques.
Highlights include
● Meeting rooms
● Business lounge
● 24-hour CCTV monitoring
Information about Deansgate
● Location: 125 Deansgate, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M3 2BY
● Starting costs: Business Address from £139 per month
● Opening hours: 24/7 for Private Office and Dedicated Desk members, reception hours for other members
● Nearby stations: Salford Central Train Station (a nine-minute walk away), Deansgate Train Station (a 10-minute walk away)
Bow Chambers
Bow Chambers is another excellent Manchester business address in the heart of the city’s central business district. This address is suitable for a variety of business sectors and sizes.
For occasional office work, the building has plenty of private and coworking areas. These are ideal for collaboration, brainstorming, and productivity. It’s also close to plenty of restaurants and bars for team bonding and client entertainment.
Highlights include
● Meeting rooms
● Break-out areas
● Close to Manchester Arndale
Information about Bow Chambers
● Location: Bow Chambers, Manchester, M2 4JB
● Starting costs: Business Address from £139 per month
● Opening hours: 24/7 for Private Office and Dedicated Desk members, reception hours for other members
● Nearby stations: Salford Central Train Station (an 11-minute walk away), Manchester Oxford Road Train Station (a 13-minute walk away)
82 King Street
For businesses looking for an address close to a variety of prominent Manchester business hubs, 82 King Street is a strong option. Not too far from Deansgate and Spinningfields, it’s popular with small and large businesses from a variety of different sectors.
At a lower price point, this is an ideal Manchester business address for brand-new startups. It’s also close to the city’s central retail district, making it a fantastic spot for businesses in the fashion and retail industries.
Highlights include
● Meeting rooms
● Break-out areas
● Sandwich service
● Secure underground parking
Information about 82 King Street
● Location: 82 King Street, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M2 4WQ
● Starting costs: Business Address from £59 per month
● Opening hours: 24/7 for Private Office and Dedicated Desk members, reception hours for other members
● Nearby stations: Manchester Victoria Train Station (a 10-minute walk away), Salford Central Train Station (a 12-minute walk away)
Peter House
Peter House is exceptional for innovative businesses looking to attract new talent. Right next to Manchester’s innovation and academic quarters, including the Museum of Science and Industry, it’s a prime address for startups and industry disruptors.
For days when you need to collaborate, the building offers a variety of open-plan and private workspaces with plenty of character and natural light.
Highlights include
● Meeting rooms
● Business lounge
● Sandwich service
● Secure underground parking
● On-site showers
Information about Peter House
● Location: Oxford Street, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M1 5AN
● Starting costs: Business Address from £95 per month
● Opening hours: 24/7 for Private Office and Dedicated Desk members, reception hours for other members
● Nearby stations: Manchester Oxford Road Train Station (a two-minute walk away), Deansgate Train Station (an 11-minutes walk away)
Tips for making the most of your virtual office in Manchester
Whether you’re a new startup or an established business looking to cut costs while embracing hybrid working, there are a few things you can do to maximise the benefits of a virtual office.
● Business address services: This is a great way to keep costs to a minimum while still impressing clients with a registered company address in Manchester. Add this address to business cards, letterheads, and email signatures for a professional look.
● Hire a virtual receptionist: From call answering services to diary management and customer service, virtual receptionists are a cost-effective way to increase business productivity.
● Access meeting rooms, offices, and event spaces: Some virtual office packages include the use of office space for a few days a month. Maximise your investment and use these strategically to collaborate with employees, pitch to clients, or impress investors.
● Use your Regus membership for ultimate flexibility: Drop into business lounges, coworking spaces, and more in thousands of locations. This is a great way to make the most of your time when travelling to meet clients, customers, or investors.
Discover virtual offices in Manchester with Regus
With minimal set up fees, virtual offices are a fantastic way to reduce overheads while still maintaining a presence in thriving Manchester.
Whether you want a simple business address and telephone answering in Manchester or the flexibility to use meeting rooms and office space, Regus has a virtual office package to suit your budget and needs.
Browse our Manchester virtual office locations to find the perfect fit for your business. Alternatively, you can speak to someone about a virtual office in Manchester by contacting our Regus experts today.
