Manchester is home to one of the UK’s largest economies and has a range of strong industries, making it a worthy option for career-oriented expats to consider. 

Manchester is a key location for many foreign-owned companies that often bring in expats 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 strong knowledge-based economy clustered around the University of Manchester. And as a result of its innovative spirit, the city has seen the development of a number of high-value niches including biotechnology, software development, ICT, electronics, environmental technologies, chemicals and textiles. Many expats 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.

Manchester is the second-largest centre of creative and digital industries in Europe, and has created a name for itself within the media industry. 

Finding a job in Manchester

Regardless of which industry they work in, all expats from outside the EU hoping to take up a job offer in Manchester will need to ensure they have a valid work permit.

Many expats have a firm employment offer in place before relocating to the city, but for those that don't, online job portals, networking, recruitment agencies, and the business and recruitment pages of local newspapers will be helpful in finding work.

Work culture in Manchester

Business hours are generally 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. Expats should be polite and punctual, and while the dress code in creative industries tends to be more relaxed, those working in almost all other industries 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 expats should anticipate working among colleagues who are competitive and ambitious. Experience and performance are the foundations for advancement in the working world. 

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

Expat Interviews

"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 some advice from an expat on the economic climate in Manchester in our interview with Allison.

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.