Expats working in Manchester will find themselves in one of the UK’s largest economies. The city has a range of strong industries, making it a compelling option for career-oriented expats.

Manchester is a key location for many foreign-owned companies that often bring in people from all over the world. The dominant industries in Manchester include financial services, creative and digital industries, legal and business services, manufacturing, media, biotechnology, and education.

Job market in Manchester

The banking industry in Manchester is one of its largest employers, while the city also has a robust knowledge-based economy clustered around the University of Manchester. Many people come to Manchester to study or take up research positions at one of its academic institutions, and education plays a prominent role in the local economy.

As a result of its innovative spirit, the city has seen the development of several high-value niches, including biotechnology, software development, ICT, electronics, environmental technologies, chemicals and textiles. Manchester is the second-largest centre of creative and digital industries in Europe and has created a name for itself within the media industry.

Useful links

Finding a job in Manchester

Man with notebook and coffee typing on a laptop

Regardless of which industry you work in, if you're from outside the EU and hoping to take up a job offer in Manchester, you will need to ensure you have a valid work permit.

Many expats have a firm employment offer in place before relocating to the city. For those who don’t, online job portals, networking, and recruitment agencies can be helpful in finding work.

Work Permits for the UK

Useful links

Work culture in Manchester

Business hours are generally 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. You should be polite and punctual, and while the dress code in creative industries tends to be more relaxed, in almost all other sectors, you should dress formally and conservatively.

While the work culture is somewhat more relaxed than in London, people in Manchester still work extremely hard. Individualism is highly valued, and you should anticipate working among competitive and ambitious colleagues. Experience and performance are the foundations for advancement in the working world.

Business Culture in the UK

What do expats say about finding a job in Manchester?

"If you are looking for work here my advice would be to talk to people. So many people I know here have found jobs through friends and acquaintances. Having transferable skills will count for a lot as well and be prepared to work as a temp for a while. Many offices prefer to trial people on a short-term basis before hiring them on as permanent staff." 

Read Allison's advice about the economic climate in Manchester in her expat interview.

Further reading

►For more about work culture in the country, see Doing Business in the UK

►Find out about the city's property market on our Accommodation in Manchester page

Are you an expat living in Manchester?

Expat Arrivals is looking for locals to contribute to this guide, and answer forum questions from others planning their move to Manchester. Please contact us if you'd like to contribute, or fill in our expat interview form to be featured.