The Centre for Cities report comes as Andy Burnham plans Number 10 for the North

Manchester is outpacing the rest of the country following a decade of growth, according to new research.

London-based think tank Centre for Cities found that Manchester’s economy grew more rapidly than anywhere else in the UK over the last ten years.

Figures revealed the city’s economy expanded by more than 34 per cent between 2013 and 2023, outstripping other ‘top performers’ such as Bristol, Leeds, and Newcastle.

London’s economy grew by nearly 19 per cent over the same period, compared to the UK average of 18.4 per cent across the decade.

The figures were measured by total gross value added (GVA) growth – the value of goods and services produced within the city.

Manchester and the wider city region also recorded a 19.7 per cent rise in job creation, according to the report, surpassing the UK average of 13.9 per cent.

The findings come as significant new announcements by Andy Burnham could herald a dramatic shift in how the country is governed, with a pledge for a ‘No 10 in the North’, potentially based in Manchester, should he go on to become Prime Minister.

The Centre for Cities report stated: “There are encouraging signs, with places such as Leeds and Manchester seeing strong productivity growth in recent years, adding to a sense of growing momentum around their role in raising national living standards.”

The data also laid bare some of the challenges confronting the country’s regions. The report continued: “Currently Manchester, Birmingham and Leeds have the largest ‘density gaps’ compared to their international peers, with estimated shortfalls of 231,000, 202,000 and 196,000 homes in their urban cores respectively.

‘”Other big cities face smaller gaps. Bristol, for example, has a shortfall of around 18,800 homes, though still faces constraints on expanding its urban form.

“Closing these gaps would require a significant increase in housebuilding, especially in the largest of the big cities. “

Manchester council said its strategy to drive employment growth is delivering results. Since implementing the plan, the employment rate in Manchester has climbed to more than 75 per cent – a 6.4 per cent rise since July 2023, the council noted.

This comes alongside a 30 per cent increase in the number of businesses in Manchester since 2015, with the total number of firms in the city growing by approximately 900 in 2024/25.

Councillor Gavin White, the council’s housing and regeneration lead, commented: “Manchester has seen significant population growth in recent years, a testament to a global reputation and strong expansion across key sectors that have helped create tens of thousands of high-quality jobs in the last decade – helping to attract and retain a pool of world class talent.

“With this success comes high demand which is why we are helping to drive a strong supply of quality office space to support businesses to thrive and attract new global names to Manchester. While also creating a strong and diverse housing sector – including record numbers of social, council and genuinely affordable homes being built in every part of our city.

“But we also know that far too many households still face high levels of deprivation and it’s vital that we continue to convert economic growth into better living standards for our residents.

“It’s our vision to make sure that we can create pathways to great jobs, alongside investment in our communities and transport link, that makes sure that everyone living in Manchester has the opportunity to share in the city’s success.”

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