Manchester's ascent as a key player in the UK's cyber security landscape has been nothing short of remarkable. The city is rapidly becoming a magnet for technology and cyber security firms, with several significant developments reinforcing its status as a burgeoning tech hub.
National Cyber Security Centre in Manchester
The establishment of the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) in Manchester marks a pivotal moment for the city's cyber security credentials. This centre acts as a cornerstone for national cyber defence, providing a robust framework for protecting the UK's critical infrastructure from cyber threats. The presence of the NCSC underscores Manchester's strategic importance in the national cyber security architecture.
Big Players Moving to Manchester
Manchester has seen a significant influx of major companies relocating their cyber operations to the city. Following the footsteps of BBC and ITV, global giants like GCHQ and Booking.com have also established a presence in Manchester. This trend highlights the city's growing appeal as a cost-effective and dynamic alternative to London and the South East. The financial benefits of moving operations north are substantial, offering companies a chance to reduce costs while accessing a rich talent pool.
Surge in New Businesses and Incorporations
Manchester's tech ecosystem is booming, as evidenced by the recent surge in new business incorporations. According to our Q3 Market Update, new UK technology incorporations reached a five-year high in Q1 2024. The number of new incorporations rose by 11% to 13,802 in Q1 2024, up from 12,441 in Q1 2023, and saw a 4.4% increase from the previous quarter. This follows a record-breaking 2023, which saw 51,017 new tech incorporations. For more detailed insights, check out our full Q3 Market Update here.
A Hub for Tech Talent
"Manchester is becoming a real hub for tech talent," remarked Terry Room, Global CTO at CapGemini, during a recent tech leaders roundtable hosted by Maxwell Bond. This sentiment is echoed across the industry, with the city's talent pool expanding rapidly. The hybrid work model adopted by many companies has further enhanced Manchester's appeal. Allowing flexibility, such as having teams come in once a week or once a fortnight, has broadened the talent pool to encompass the entire North of England, including areas like Preston, Leeds, and Stoke.
Increasing Demand for Talent
The demand for tech talent in Manchester is on the rise and shows no signs of slowing down. Companies are increasingly looking to the city to source skilled professionals capable of driving innovation and growth. This trend is expected to continue, bolstering Manchester's reputation as a critical player in the UK's tech industry.
Areas for Improvement
Despite these positive developments, there are areas that require attention. Transport links to surrounding areas like Bolton and Chorley remain unreliable and expensive, with inadequate parking facilities exacerbating the issue. Improving these transport links is essential to ensure that the flow of talent into Manchester is not hindered.
As Manchester continues to cement its place as a leading cyber security hub, the need for skilled professionals is more pressing than ever. Businesses looking to tap into this thriving market or candidates seeking their next opportunity in the cyber sector are encouraged to contact Maxwell Bond for expert recruitment assistance. Our team is dedicated to connecting top talent with innovative companies, driving forward the growth and success of Manchester's cyber landscape.
For more information on how we can support your recruitment needs in the cyber industry, or if you’re seeking your next career move, get in touch with Maxwell Bond today.
