Manchester might not be the first city that comes to mind when you’re planning a corporate weekend away, but we think that it should be — it has just as much to offer when compared to other UK powerhouses like London and Birmingham. Manchester is a vibrant and quickly growing city in the north of England, packed full of many amazing business and leisure opportunities.
These factors have helped make Manchester the ideal destination for those looking to mix business and pleasure, even if it’s just for the weekend. In this article, we’ll look at why Manchester has become such a popular corporate getaway location and what you can get up to while there. One thing we can promise is that you’ll struggle to run out of things to do!
Why Manchester?
Manchester is a huge city, with the metropolitan area stretching far and wide, touching the famous Merseyside region on one side and the stunning Derbyshire countryside on the other. Because of this, it’s become a melting pot of sorts and has quickly developed a reputation for being a business powerhouse in the North.
Excellent Connectivity
One of Manchester’s main selling points is how connected the city is to the broader region. It is easily accessible by commercial plane or private jet charter and has many trains running directly to and from the airport, while it also has good train links to the rest of the UK.
While you’re in Manchester, you can get from point A to point B with ease — there are trams that cover much of the city, while you can also hop on a bus or jump in the back of a taxi. Getting around Manchester really couldn’t be any easier, no matter the purpose of your stay.
Thriving Business Hub
Manchester has developed a strong reputation for its business infrastructure, and this is no accident — Mayor Andy Burnham has been keen to try and level the playing field compared to London. The city is home to many offices, startup spaces, and corporate headquarters, as well as hosting many businesses in the manufacturing industry. This is helping to make Manchester a go-to location for business meetings, corporate events, and conferences — and excellent transport links have aided this!
Cultural Diversity
Manchester has long shed its reputation for being in the “skinhead north”, now being home to people from all corners of the globe, which has surely helped make the city what it is today. This diversity is one of Manchester’s standout features, boasting a warm atmosphere and a mix of people who are happy to welcome you to their city. This also extends to the culinary world, with Manchester having a national reputation for its curry houses, many of which can be found on the famous Curry Mile to the south.
World-Class Accommodations
As part of this levelling-up process, Manchester is also home to many amazing accommodation spots that we’re sure you’ll love. From luxurious hotels to aparthotels with space for multiple people, there is sure to be something for everybody, no matter your personal needs, preferences, or budget. While you’re in Manchester, regardless of whether that’s for business or pleasure, we’re sure you’ll have a great time.
Things to Do in Manchester
Now that we’ve established why Manchester is a city that is perfect for weekend corporate getaways, we can turn our attention to what the city has to offer, especially with regard to what you can get up to.
The Trafford Centre
If you fancy a bit of retail therapy, the Trafford Centre needs to be at the top of your to-do list, boasting many shops that you won’t find anywhere else in the area. Not only is it home to many designer stores, but you’ll also find plenty of things such as a cinema and many different restaurants and coffee shops. If you’ve got a busy day in meetings and with clients, this is the perfect unwinder.
Football Fever
As you probably know, Manchester is a footballing superpower, home to two of the best teams in the country. If you’re heading to Manchester for the weekend and you have some free time, we’d definitely recommend heading to either Old Trafford or the Etihad with your colleagues. Even if you’re not a sports fan, the electrifying atmosphere is worth the experience.
Live Music
Manchester has a strong reputation for its music, moulding famous bands such as Oasis, The Stone Roses, and The Smiths. It’s for this reason that the city has many great music venues, including the AO Arena, O2 Apollo, and Albert Hall, and there is bound to be somebody in town over the weekend, so make sure to check online while you’re planning your trip.
Conclusion
Manchester is an amazing city that perfectly blends business and leisure, which is why it’s an excellent choice for corporate weekend breaks. It is home to a thriving business environment, diverse cultural offerings, and numerous entertainment options to keep yourself entertained, so we’re sure you’ll quickly fall in love with Manchester.
