Home to the University of Manchester, the Manchester United soccer team, where the musical and industrial revolution took off, and where the Suffragette movement for equal rights got started, Manchester is without a doubt a fascinating city to visit for business and pleasure. With a well-connected international airport, it’s also a leading location for business trips, and not to mention the largest metropolis located in northwestern England.
We’ll look at some fascinating tips to make the most of your visit to Manchester. Whether you tag on some bleisure time or simply do some evening sightseeing, this strategic location with a strong tech, financial, manufacturing and healthcare industries is a great location for your next business trip. Keep reading to find out why.
Getting to Manchester and around
The Manchester airport is an international hub and the third-busiest airport in the UK. It serves as a connection point between major European and global cities. Once you arrive at the airport you can easily get to the city center via the train or Metrolink tram. If you are coming via the UK rail system, you’re in luck because there are regular trains from London, Birmingham, Liverpool and Leeds.
Once in Manchester, you can move around via the Metrolink Tram and buses which allow you to move easily between the airport, business district and hotels. The good news is Manchester city center is also very small and walkable making it ideal for short trips between meetings.
Where to stay in Manchester
The best hotels in Manchester are located around the city. Some of the key business districts for business travel in Manchester are:
What to do when you’re not in business meetings in Manchester
There’s a lot to do when you’re not busy at your business meetings, conferences or events. Visit the Museum of Science & Industry or catch a gig at Albert Hall or Band on the Wall. You can also visit the famous Chetman’s Library, which is the world’s oldest English-speaking library dating back to 1653, housing 100,000 books. Soccer lovers will want to get their hands on a Manchester City or Manchester United game.
5 Tips for business travelers in Manchester
1. Pack for all types of weather
Weather being in the UK is unpredictable so pack for all kinds of weather. Carry a compact umbrella or waterproof jacket in your backpack as you hop from meeting to meeting as anything is possible. This will come in handy for inclement weather and unexpected rainfall. If possible avoid January where temperatures can drop closer to freezing. The best time to visit is between June and August.
2. Don’t forget power outlets are different
If you are coming from the US or continental Europe, don’t forget your UK standard Type G plug or adapter. This will help you stay connected.
pro tip
When in doubt, head to the reception, they usually have adapter plugs ready and able to be used.
3. Rely on public transport to get around
With the train taking you directly from the airport to the Piccadilly Station in the heart of the city, and being such a walkable city, it’s a great idea to rely on your own two feet to get around and to grab a tram, bus or take a quick Uber ride should you need it.
4. Tag on some bleisure time for a day trip
If you can, it’s a great idea to tag on some time to visit one of the surrounding nature reserves like Little Woolden Moss or New Moss Wood. It’s also a great idea to check out one of the surrounding charming villages like Lymm with its 17th century buildings and delicious pastry shops or Chester, which dates back to the 1st Century A.D., with its Roman walls, amphitheater (the largest Roman amphitheater in the UK) and enchanting alleyways.
If you prefer an overnight trip, head to York, it’s just a 1.5h train ride to this beautiful cobblestone town.
5. Book trains in advance
It’s a good idea to book trains to and from Manchester in advance as they can book up, and booking ahead of time also saves money.