In the lead up to our 10-year anniversary in December, we’re hosting a series of blogs to get us warmed up for a night to remember. Without further ado, what better way to start than deep-diving into why we love Manchester and what our glorious city has bestowed upon the world. You may even learn some Mancunian lingo along the way.
1. We’ve got “mint” regional press
No true Mancunian would ever turn down the latest news from the bible that is the Manchester Evening News (MEN). Established in 1868, the publication has been delivering the forefront of the Mancunian news agenda ever since – with it finding form and growing in popularity across the UK over recent years.
Not only do we have the MEN but The Guardian was also first published in our very own Printworks in 1821, following the wake of the Peterloo Massacre. But it’s not just newspapers that established themselves here, the city publishes some of the most influential business and technology magazines such as Business Desk, North West Business Insider, and Prolific North.
More recently, even the BBC moved its Children’s, Radio, and Sport’s operations to Manchester’s Media City in 2011. Therefore, there’s no better place for a PR agency to thrive than in the centre of this media hub.
2. Michelin star restaurants and “dead good” bars
This year saw Manchester’s Mana win the city’s first Michelin star in over 40 years, showing you don’t need to visit London in order to experience fine-dining.
But, if you’re “gagging for a drink” instead, you’d struggle to find a bar in the city which hasn’t been showered with awards. Whether it’s the Northern hospitality or the delicious drinks (they’re not all Vimto flavoured we promise!), Manchester is the place to wine and dine your clients without the expensive price tag associated with London.
3. “Our Kid”, the ‘Manchester Baby’, was born here
That’s right the birthplace of the first modern computer was Manchester. On 21st June 1948, Frederic C. Williams, Tom Kilburn, and Geoff Tootill ran its first programme at the University of Manchester. Since then, Manchester’s digital feet haven’t touched the floor.
Our technology industry is thriving, being the single biggest technology hub outside of the Capital and boasting over 62,000 tech jobs. This is something our client, Manchester Digital, has latched on to. The not-for-profit organisation works with the region’s most progressive digital and tech organisations to create the optimum environment for success. It creates a healthy ecosystem; supports the acquisition of talent and upskilling; is committed to innovation across the city; helps businesses in the region collaborate to lead to better outcomes; and profiles Manchester as a great digital destination.
4. Our city is “Buzzin”
With a growing population, and an increased need for housing at all levels, our residential sector continues to drive record levels of real estate development, with over 14,400 residential units under construction across 48 developments. Not only this but, more of these units are due to be delivered in the next three years than in the last 10 years combined.
Therefore, where’s better for suppliers, constructors, and architects to set up shop? What’s more, as experts in built environment PR, we know what makes these individuals tick and how to access them.
5. There’s a “mad fer it” music scene
You can’t help but think of music when you think of Manchester: we birthed The Smiths, Oasis, The Stone Roses, The Courteeners, Joy Division, and a whole host more. We live and breathe music with our live venues and nights out being some of the best in the UK.
Therefore, when the work is done and it’s time to relax, Manchester is here to carry you through into the early hours of the morning.
6. “Swear down” Manchester was the first industrial city
Manchester has always driven change and pushed industries forward, often in the face of adversity. We pioneered the Industrial Revolution in 1760 setting the country on a course it was never coming back from.
From the industrial revolution to the technological revolution, Manchester has cut through the noise to deliver the next generation of evolution pushing the city and its reputation forward – much like Refresh does for its award-winning clients.
7. “Top” partnerships
There’s no denying it, we’re good at putting things together. Whether it’s chips and gravy, Morrissey and Marr, or Rolls and Royce, we sure know how to spark a partnership which changes history.
Like our city, Refresh builds lasting relationships with its clients set on trust, expertise, guidance, and the delivery of great results – we wouldn’t have made it to 10 years if we didn’t!
8. Red or Blue, we’re “sound” at football
As famous as the weather, our football teams really are world-class. If you’re in Manchester, at some time or another, you’ll be asked the ultimate question: “Red or Blue?” – one that’s divided the city for eons. But, no matter which side of the fence you’re on, there’s no denying our city is a hub of collaboration for success – whether it’s on or off the pitch.
Therefore, at Refresh we take this ethos with us, it’s through the collaboration of our skilled team and expert clients that we can create campaigns which ignite the food and drink, built environment, and technology sectors.
9. “Give yer head a wobble” if you think we’re not international
Manchester is the third most visited city in the UK, bringing in nearly £670m to the economy and 28.38 million passengers using our airport in 2018. With direct routes to Beijing introduced this year, business and tourism from China has boomed. Additionally, new routes to San Francisco were added to Manchester Airport’s growing roster this year, connecting the city directly to tech-booming, Silicon Valley.
Therefore, when businesses across the globe are making strategic decisions to partner with the best talent there is, there’s no need for them to hone in on London. Manchester is now more accessible than ever for business all over the world.
10. We think inequality is “angin”
We sparked Votes for Women! Not only this, we have one of the largest LGBT communities in the UK and are championing a diverse population, being home to the third-largest Chinese population in Europe and having over 200 languages spoken in our city every day.
With Manchester’s feet firmly grounded in promoting equality, it’s fitting that Manchester Digital’s scheme Digital Her is empowering women and young girls to pursue a career in the tech and digital industries to bridge the gap and show girls that they can be whatever they want to be.
As you can see, we may be biased but there’s good reason for it! We’re proud of this city and wouldn’t want to be sharing our 10th birthday anywhere else.