With a total population of over 2.5 million people, the Greater Manchester Area is the second largest urban municipality in the United Kingdom. At the heart of this metropolis is the city of Manchester, a vibrant urban centre that has been crucial to the development of the UK economy since the late 18th century. Like many other large cities throughout the country, Manchester is experiencing a series of social and economic changes that are transforming its face. In this article we take a detailed look at the changing face of this great British city.
Demographics in Manchester
Due to its history as an industrial centre, the city of Manchester traditionally attracted migrants from other parts of the UK, most notably from the north of the country and from Wales. This resulted in a very rapid increase in population numbers, which was particularly notorious between 1900 and 1930.
After the 1930s, the demographic make-up of Manchester began to change, although by that time there were large Irish, Italian, and Indian communities established in several areas of the city. In our days, Manchester has one of the country’s fastest-growing populations, therefore reversing the demographic trend that had been in place since the mid-20th century. In 2012, the city census revealed astonishing population growth rates, which had reached 19 per cent and showed no sign of stopping anytime soon. Between 1992 and 2012, the city’s population grew by a fifth, putting the city’s population growth rates well ahead of the national average, which is currently three times lower.
The various regeneration projects undergone by the city have attracted many young professionals aged 20-30, who have helped reverse the long-standing trend of population decline. Birth rates are also on the rise in Manchester, while the number of people over 65 years old remains stable.
Economic trends in Manchester
Manchester’s economic standing was severely affected by the terrorist attack that took place in 1996. By that time, the city had left behind its mostly industrial and manufacturing-based economy a long time ago, and was moving towards a more diversified economy. Nowadays, the economy of the city has recovered from the events of 1996 and has become one of the largest and most dynamic in the country.
According to the Office for National Statistics, the traditionally high levels of unemployment observed in the city are a thing of the past, as the current rates stand at 7.7 per cent, a figure that is pretty much in line with the targets set by the government.
The European Cities Monitor report of 2011 listed Manchester among the top 15 best European cities in which to do business, and at national level Manchester is only second to London in terms of their business potential.
Other factors that have contributed to the changing face of the Mancunian economy are the celebration of the 2002 Commonwealth Games and the construction of faster road and train connections with London and the rest of the country.
In the near future, it is expected that the city’s GVA will continue to grow, reaching peak levels by 2017.
Manchester and its industries
Manchester’s economy is supported by a large number of industries, the most important of which include banking, financial services, logistics, transportation, and tourism. Over the past decade, there has been an important surge in the number of knowledge-based industries, which were previously concentrated in London. Another important trend is the rise of creative industries, since currently the city is home to the second largest concentration of creative companies in the country, which account for over 12 per cent of the total number of local jobs.