In 2021 around 10% of the candidates we placed in new roles were in the process of relocating to Manchester from London. Naturally, we think the North West of England is a fantastic place to live and work but this is an unusual figure for us to see.
Bye bye brain drain?
For decades a third of UK graduates moved to London to start their career, as part of a phenomenon known as ‘brain drain’. Brain drain simply put, is the migration of skilled and talented individuals due to lack of opportunity. Previously this has been a real concern for the north, as we saw our talent trickle out to London. Things have changed in recent times and doubtlessly the pandemic has added to the priorities of candidates across the board.
In the 12 months to June 2018, ONS figures showed 340,500 left the capital for other English regions. Over two thirds (60%) are no longer considered part of London’s workforce due to no longer residing within a commutable distance
In 2018 10,200 people relocated to Greater Manchester from London, with 8,870 going the other way. Meaning a net loss for London of 1,330 (or 3 people per day). Due to the Covid 19 pandemic London’s population is now set to decline for the first time in over 30 years.
Why are people thinking about relocating from Manchester to London?
There are many reasons why Manchester is great for creatives. Manchester is known as the creative hub of the north. It has more creative businesses, marketers and designers per square mile than any other northern city.
The city region is home to over 9000 creative and technology companies. This impressive number employs over 78,000 people and generates a GVA of £3.8 billion annually.
We are working with clients across the north who are hugely passionate about investment in talent in the north west. We see this regularly with agencies and organisations working closely with us on our initiatives designed to further northern talent.
Covid has shown clients that working with an agency remotely can work really well, which has seen the London centric mindset all but vanish. Big names now want to work whichever agency or organisation can do a good job, rather than based on their geographical location.
Research by Total Jobs suggests 1 in 5 Millennials hope that by leaving the capital they will be able to get onto the property ladder or upsize their home. 23% are contemplating the move because they hope to start a family. Over half of London’s young workforce have researched job opportunities outside the city. Currently 1 million young people plan to leave London before they turn 33.
Cost of living
The cost of living in the north is certainly an attractive prospect to anyone struggling to keep up with London’s expenses, is it any wonder creatives are relocating to Manchester from London?
The rise of the northern pound has shown us our money goes 20% further in the north than it does in London. With the following statistics backing up the desire to head north further:
- Commute time is on average 15 minutes shorter each way (a saving of two and a half hours per week!)
- The average property prices in the North is a third of that in London
- Rental costs are roughly half of that in London
- 1 in 5 Londoners moved North in 2018 compared to 1 in 17 in 2008
- Over half of Londoners would accept a lower salary if they could move out of the capital and have a better quality of life
The Great Outdoors
From Manchester, you can hop on the train to the Peak District and be there in well under an hour. The Lakes are a little further but incredibly accessible and make an easy day trip or a lovely, easy weekend away and the same goes to the beautiful areas of Wales. We have magnificent parks in our city and surrounding towns and the wider areas of Greater Manchester have impressive outdoor places to spend time undisturbed.
Third best city in the world
In 2021 Time Out named Manchester the 3rd best city in the world, that’s not to be sniffed at. Manchester is an incredibly diverse and cosmopolitan city that leads the way in nightlife, food, community spirit and friendliness. 71% of respondents described the city as ‘creative’ and ventures such as The Factory, MediaCityUK, a numerous museums, galleries and artists hubs across the wider city region show the desire for to consume and express creativity by many who live and work here.
Sense of community
Manchester has a remarkable sense of community, we’re not known as the city where people will pass the time of day with you at the bus stop for no reason. Not only will people chat to you at the bus stop, your neighbours will check in and make sure you’re okay, suburbs and villages have a sense of community and belonging which doesn’t leave you feeling like you’re stuck in a big city. Andy Burnham’s why Manchester is the greatest city in the UK touches on so many elements of that sense of community. Our city has been through some tough times but we’ve come through time together and it’s the sense of community and the desire to help one another that makes this place special.
If you’re thinking about moving to Manchester to further your creative career, one of our Creative Resource Senior Consultants would be happy to talk you through some options. It’s really important when searching for a job in a city you don’t live in, that you’re informed by local and expert knowledge. Our team has helped a number of candidates who are thinking about relocating to Manchester from London – get in touch via our contact us page.