Manchester is England’s second most populous city with an estimated population of almost 2.8 million people. Famed for its sporting prowess and dominance on the music scene, Manchester is also an industrial and commercial powerhouse. Boasting a rich history, the city was the focal point of the Industrial Revolution. The business landscape may have changed over the course of the last 200 years, but Manchester remains at the forefront of UK industry. In this guide, we’ll shine a spotlight on Manchester businesses and the entrepreneurs blazing a trail in the North West.
Startup Success Stories: The Best Manchester-Based Businesses
Manchester has a vibrant, thriving business scene with many international brands choosing the city as a base. The North West’s largest city isn’t just a sought-after location for established companies and business moguls looking to expand their customer bases. Manchester continues to embrace and champion innovation, research and development, with exciting startups launching every year. Here’s our pick of the best Manchester-based growth businesses:
- Holiferm
A leading light in the realms of UK tech startups, Holiferm uses sustainable ingredients made from fermentation processes to create greener consumer and commercial products. The tech behind the production line was developed by co-founders, Dr Ben Dolman and Dr James Winterburn, from the University of Manchester. Based on innovative research, the team developed a low-cost production model to produce sustainable, environmentally friendly alternatives to petrochemical-based products. Established in 2018, the company recently scooped the Innovation Award at the Chemicals Northwest Awards and has already amassed over £30 million in investment equity.
- Castore
In 2023, Castore was named one of the fastest-growing private businesses in the UK. The Manchester-based premium sportswear brand, which counts Sir Andy Murray as a shareholder, launched to provide performance-enhancing apparel for ‘the discerning athlete.’ The clothing goes above and beyond conventional sportswear, offering innovative features that help athletes to reach the pinnacle, including ergonomic seams and flatlock stitching for enhanced ventilation. Figures from the Sunday Times showed that the company, which was founded by Phil and Tom Beahon in 2015, enjoyed annual growth figures of 285% between 2020 and 2023.
- The Hut Group
The Hut Group (THG) is one of Manchester’s most high-profile business success stories. Launched in the city in 2004 by entrepreneurs, Matthew Moulding and John Gallemore, the business now operates over 175 websites providing goods for customers in more than 160 countries. THG initially specialised in entertainment, selling CDS online, but soon expanded into cosmetics and beauty products. The aim was to offer consumers access to high-quality, branded goods at more affordable prices and provide a fast, simple online shopping experience. Today, THG operates some of the most popular beauty websites, including Cult Beauty and Look Fantastic.
- Boohoo.com/ PrettyLittleThing
The growing popularity of online shopping and accessible, affordable fashion spurned the rapid growth of Manchester-based Boohoo.com. Founded in 2006 by Carol Kane and Mahmud Kamani, the site offers on-trend clothing and accessories at low prices. Using clever marketing strategies, including influencer marketing and celebrity collections and endorsements, Boohoo quickly became the place to shop for teenagers and young adults. The business expanded in 2012 when brothers, Mahmud and Umar Kamani launched PrettyLittleThing.com. Originally an online accessories treasure trove, the product range diversified, adding beauty products and apparel.
- Proveca
One of the most exciting health tech startups in the country, Proveca was established in 2010 by Drs Helen Shaw and Simon Bryson. A pharmaceutical firm that is gathering impetus on the national and global scene, Proveca produces medications for children. The Manchester-based company launched to address significant, long-standing pain points, including drugs that were in the wrong format for young patients and medicines that weren’t yet licensed for use. The business develops drugs specifically designed to treat chronic diseases and symptoms in children and meet unmet needs. It has already raised over £8 million in investment.
Manchester is a hive of activity and it provides the perfect base for aspiring entrepreneurs and ambitious business owners. Building on strong foundations laid during the last two centuries, Manchester continues to be at the forefront of business, providing opportunities to develop and market new products and services, solve problems and embrace innovation and new technology. This guide shines a spotlight on some of the city’s most impressive success stories, highlighting the diversity of industries and the impact of Manchester businesses on both the UK and international scenes. From pioneering health tech and tech startups to global clothing and beauty brands, Manchester is undoubtedly a business powerhouse.
