A virtual office allows you to establish a Manchester business address without the need for a physical workspace. Virtual Headquarters provides a prestigious Manchester postcode, giving your business credibility and professionalism. This setup works perfectly for companies embracing remote or hybrid work, offering the flexibility of a business address and access to professional meeting spaces when needed.
Our Manchester virtual office packages include access to bookable meeting rooms. Whether you’re hosting clients or team members, these spaces are designed to leave a great impression without the financial burden of permanent office space. It’s all the benefits of a Manchester address with none of the hassle.
Manchester is full of fantastic coworking spaces designed to meet a wide range of needs. Whether you’re a freelancer, a startup founder, or simply someone looking to escape the monotony of working from home, our Manchester offices are here to provide the perfect environment for you. At Jactin House and Fabrica, we offer more than just bookable meeting rooms. Our spaces include flexible coworking and hot-desking options, allowing you to work in a professional and reputable setting without the commitment of a long-term rental agreement.
Our coworking spaces are thoughtfully designed to encourage productivity and collaboration. You’ll have access to modern facilities, comfortable seating, and a community of like-minded professionals. Whether you need a quiet corner to focus, a desk for the day, or a dynamic setting to network and brainstorm, we’ve got you covered.
Our pricing is competitive, and we’re always happy to chat about tailoring the right package to suit your needs. If you’re working on a budget (and let’s face it, who isn’t these days?), you might also want to explore some of Manchester’s free workspaces. Othership’s guide to free workspaces in the city is a great resource, and you might even discover your new favourite spot to get things done.
Whether you’re looking for a temporary office or a change of scenery, we’re confident that our spaces at Jactin House and Fabrica will inspire you to work your best. Feel free to get in touch to learn more!
We’ve got four fantastic buildings in Manchester to suit every type of business:
City Tower, Piccadilly Plaza: A prestigious skyscraper with a central M1 postcode, ideal for traditional or corporate businesses. Starting at just £45/month, this iconic address is perfect for making a strong impression.
Princess Street: A no-frills option for businesses on a budget. For just £25/month, you can secure a practical virtual office address without breaking the bank.
Fabrica & Jactin House, Ancoats: Located in the vibrant Ancoats area, these spaces are perfect for creatives and co-working enthusiasts. You’ll join a buzzing community with pop-up events and networking meetups. Prices start from £30/month—great for businesses that love to collaborate and connect!
Let us help you pick the perfect home for your business!
Manchester offers a range of grant schemes and funding opportunities to help businesses grow. Here are some of the key options available in 2024:
Business Growth Hub (Greater Manchester Combined Authority): Tailored support for small and medium-sized businesses, offering grants for innovation, digital transformation, and sustainability projects.
Innovate UK Smart Grants: For companies with cutting-edge ideas in technology, science, or sustainability, these grants fund projects that address big societal or environmental challenges.
Start-Up Loans Scheme: This government-backed program offers loans and one-on-one mentoring for businesses up to 36 months old, providing a great resource for early-stage ventures.
Green Business Grants (Manchester City Council): Funding for energy-efficient upgrades like solar panels or eco-friendly heating systems, helping businesses save on operating costs while reducing carbon footprints.
Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund: Supports small businesses across the North of England with loans, equity finance, and microfinance tailored to growth sectors such as manufacturing, healthcare, and creative industries
Manchester is home to a diverse economy, with some industries particularly standing out:
Technology and Digital: From software development to e-commerce, Manchester has established itself as a major player in the tech sector. With access to local talent and funding, tech companies in Manchester continue to grow here.
Media and Creative Services: Home to MediaCityUK, Manchester attracts leading media firms, production studios, and creative agencies. It’s a hotbed for advertising, design, and video production.
Financial and Professional Services: Major firms like Deloitte and PwC have long-established offices in Manchester, making it a key city for banking, law, and consultancy services.
Health and Life Sciences: Known for its cutting-edge research institutions and healthcare innovations, Manchester has become a hub for biotech and pharmaceutical companies.
Manufacturing and Advanced Engineering: With a legacy rooted in industry, Manchester continues to lead in manufacturing, aerospace, and advanced engineering.
Manchester has established itself as a city of, creativity, and commerce, attracting businesses of all sizes and sectors. Some of the UK’s most prominent companies call Manchester home, enhancing its reputation as a prime business location.
Media Giants: The BBC and ITV have major operations in MediaCityUK, a global centre for broadcasting and digital production. These companies have helped make Manchester a leader in media and technology, creating jobs and fostering partnerships with local businesses.
Tech Powerhouses: Companies like AutoTrader and Booking.com have built significant operations in Manchester, benefiting from the city’s talent pool, lower operational costs, and excellent infrastructure.
Startups on the Rise: Up-and-coming businesses such as Push Doctor (digital healthcare) and Fearless Adventures (venture capital) have grown rapidly, showcasing the city’s ability to nurture innovation and entrepreneurship
Manchester has also earned its title as the UK’s fast fashion capital, with household names like Boohoo, PrettyLittleThing, and Missguided headquartered in the city. These companies dominate the fast fashion industry, driving billions of pounds in revenue annually.
The concentration of fast fashion brands has created a healthy amount of related businesses, including marketing agencies, tech startups, and logistics providers. It’s a key driver of the city’s economy, contributing to job creation across supply chains and boosting Manchester’s status as a global player in e-commerce and retail.
Economic Impact: Manchester’s fast fashion industry contributes significantly to the UK’s economy, with these brands generating exports and attracting investment.
Opportunities for Local Businesses: The presence of major retailers provides opportunities for partnerships with local manufacturers, technology firms, and creative agencies.
Jobs and Innovation: The fast fashion sector supports thousands of jobs, from design and product development to warehousing and marketing, while driving innovation in digital marketing and logistics.
Being based in Manchester puts your business in good company, joining a city known for its success stories in media, technology, healthcare, and retail. It’s a place where global corporations, ambitious startups, and thriving industries come together, creating endless opportunities for growth and expansion. Your company will be neighbours with some big businesses in Manchester, putting you in good stead for success.
Manchester has been named the fast fashion capital of the UK.
Manchester is a booming area for your business to succeed.
The city of Manchester has excellent transport links, helping you commute without hassle.
Manchester’s workforce is one of its strongest assets, with a large, skilled, and highly educated talent pool. The city’s two major universities contribute significantly to the professional landscape, supplying businesses with a steady stream of capable graduates:
The University of Manchester: Ranked among the top universities globally, it excels in research areas like engineering, computer science, health sciences, and sustainability. With over 40,000 students enrolled annually, it produces highly skilled graduates, many of whom remain in Manchester to work in tech, healthcare, and professional services.
Manchester Metropolitan University: Offering practical, industry-focused courses in business, design, technology, and media, Manchester Met has a strong reputation for preparing students for real-world careers. Its partnerships with local companies make it a critical player in workforce development.
Additionally, the city attracts talent from across the UK and internationally, drawn by its affordability, opportunities, and quality of life.
Graduate Output: Over 20,000 graduates per year from Manchester’s universities alone.
Young Talent: 43% of Manchester’s population is under 35, providing a dynamic and tech-savvy workforce.
Digital Sector Growth: Manchester has a 32% higher digital job growth rate than the UK average, making it one of the fastest-growing tech hubs in the country.
Employment Sectors: Key employment areas include tech and digital (30%), financial services (20%), and healthcare and biotech (15%).
Commuter Access: The Greater Manchester area is home to over 2.8 million people, with excellent transport links drawing workers from nearby cities and towns.
Private Companies: The city hosts over 174,000 private companies generating a whopping combined turnover of £133 billion and employing nearly 891,000 people.
Investment: Manchester raised a record £532 million in startup funding in 2022, demonstrating strong investor confidence.
High Growth: More than 650 active, high-growth companies operate in the region, supported by innovation hubs like MediaCityUK and Manchester Science Park.
New business: In 2023, over 25,000 new businesses were started in the region.
For those who prefer working from a coffee shop, Manchester has plenty of great options:
Foundation Coffee House: A modern space with ample seating, great coffee, and fast Wi-Fi, perfect for focused work sessions.
Ezra & Gil: A trendy spot known for its all-day menu and relaxed vibe, with a layout ideal for remote working.
North Tea Power: Quiet and cosy, this café is a favourite among freelancers looking for good coffee and a productive atmosphere.
Takk: Inspired by Nordic coffee culture, this spot offers great food, a peaceful setting, and reliable Wi-Fi.
Chapter One Books: A unique combination of café and bookshop, ideal for creatives who enjoy working in an inspiring environment.
Make the most of your time in Manchester by exploring the city after work:
Visit Northern Quarter: Known for its indie shops, art galleries, and laid-back bars, it’s a great area to wind down after a busy day.
Explore Manchester Art Gallery: Free to enter, this gallery features an impressive collection of art, from Pre-Raphaelites to contemporary works.
Catch a Show at HOME: This venue combines theatre, cinema, and art exhibitions, offering a wide range of cultural experiences.
Walk Along Castlefield Basin: A quiet area with historic canals, great for a relaxing evening stroll.
Check Out Local Breweries: Head to places like Cloudwater Brew Co. or Track Brewing Co. for some of Manchester’s best craft beers.
Manchester boasts a fantastic networking scene, catering to businesses across sectors. Here are key events to add to your calendar:
Manchester Digital Events
These include the Digital Skills Festival, addressing the tech talent gap, and Tech Leader Talks, connecting senior leaders to share strategies. Other highlights include the Emerging Technology Conference, Fintech Conference, and E-commerce Events.
Pro-Manchester Networking
Aimed at finance, legal, and professional services, these events offer seminars, socials, and themed gatherings for insightful industry discussions. Explore the schedule at Pro-Manchester Digital Transformation EXPO.
Northern Restaurant & Bar Show
This is a must for hospitality professionals, blending networking with industry insights. Learn more at NRB Show.
MediaCityUK Events
Events here cater to media, digital, and creative sectors, from workshops to large-scale meetups in Salford’s iconic MediaCity. Check updates at MediaCityUK Digital Transformation EXPO.
By attending these, you’ll connect with like-minded professionals, gain insights, and foster valuable collaborations in Manchester’s thriving business ecosystem.
Let’s be honest – running a business is hard enough without the hassle of a traditional office. That’s where a virtual office with Virtual Headquarters comes in. We offer flexible, affordable solutions for businesses of all shapes and sizes. Here’s why a virtual office in Manchester might just be your new secret weapon:
Prestigious Address: First impressions count! A Manchester postcode instantly adds credibility and professionalism to your business. Whether you’re a startup or an established brand, having a business address in the heart of this buzzing city shows clients you mean business – all while you work from wherever suits you best.
Bookable Meeting Rooms: Got an important client meeting? No problem. Our virtual office packages include access to fully equipped, professional meeting rooms in Manchester. These rooms are perfect for sealing the deal or brainstorming big ideas without the costs of a permanent office.
Cost Efficiency: Let’s talk money. Running a business is pricey, but a virtual office saves you a small fortune on overheads while keeping that all-important professional edge. It’s ideal for startups and established businesses alike.
Flexible Business Solutions: Life and business are unpredictable, but we’ve got you covered. Our packages are designed to grow and adapt to your business, giving you the flexibility you need without tying you down to one place.
Work-Life Balance: Ditch the daily commute and embrace a smarter way of working. A virtual office lets you focus on what truly matters – whether that’s smashing your business goals, spending time with family, or sneaking in that midday yoga class.
Startup-Friendly: Manchester is bursting with energy and ideas, making it the perfect place for entrepreneurs. Our virtual offices are tailored to help startups shine, giving you the tools to grow your business without breaking the bank.
So, what are you waiting for? Let’s make your business the talk of Manchester – without the stress of a traditional setup!
Are there reliable transport links in Manchester?
Yes, Manchester is well-connected with trams, buses, and trains, plus Manchester Airport for international travel.
Can I use the virtual office to register my business?
Yes, Virtual Headquarters' Manchester locations are suitable for business registration.
What’s the average cost of living in Manchester compared to London?
Living costs in Manchester are significantly lower, making it an attractive option for professionals.
Are meeting rooms included in the virtual office package?
Meeting rooms are available on a pay as you go basis, ensuring flexibility for your business.
What are the benefits of a virtual office in Manchester over a physical office?
A virtual office is much more affordable, flexible, and environmentally friendly. It eliminates commute times, reduces overhead costs, and is ideal for remote teams or solo entrepreneurs who want a professional business image.
What should I look for when choosing a virtual office in Manchester?
Key factors include location prestige, included services (mail handling, call forwarding), scalability, and additional perks like access to meeting rooms or networking events.
Why is Manchester a great place to start a business?
Manchester is an incredible town ful of economic growth, offering a vibrant and diverse talent pool supported by world-class infrastructure. As a leading hub for industries such as technology, creative services, and professional sectors, it provides businesses with significant opportunities to expand and innovate. With a thriving startup culture and access to a robust business ecosystem, Manchester is an ideal location for entrepreneurs and established companies looking to grow in a dynamic market.
How can I market my new business in Manchester?
Marketing your Manchester-based business requires a strategic approach. Start by utilising local SEO to target Manchester-specific customers - this ensures your business appears in local searches and on Google Maps. Attend networking events and collaborate with local businesses to build valuable connections within the community. Use social media platforms like Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook to engage your audience and showcase your brand’s personality.That’s where Virtual HQ comes in. With our virtual office addresses in prime Manchester locations, you can boost your credibility and attract local clients while keeping your costs low. A prestigious business address not only enhances your professional image but also makes your local SEO strategy even more impactful. Ready to put your business on Manchester's map? Start with a Virtual HQ address today!
Alex is an experienced copywriter with a strong background in marketing and a deep understanding of the virtual office industry. With extensive knowledge of our offices and the areas they’re located in, Alex excels at crafting compelling campaigns that highlight the unique benefits of each location. From showcasing the perks of a prestigious business address to promoting the convenience and flexibility of virtual office solutions, Alex knows just how fantastic our Virtual Office solutions really are.
