Regional Focus on Manchester

"A city in a state of constant renewal and reinvention, a city that is alive, organic and growing."

Thinking of moving 'up North'?

We have put together a guide to help you while you're making the decision to relocate. All you need to do is contact a recruitment consultant at BCL Legal who will be able to advise on the legal jobs opportunities in the Manchester area.

Manchester is one of Britain's largest metropolitan conurbations. In the eighteenth century it sprang into the forefront of world attention by being the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution; leading the world into the modern industrial era. In June 1996 the IRA bomb exploded ripping into the fabric of the city's main shopping centre. Since then, Manchester's regeneration effort has been incessant. The city centre has developed into a fantastic place to live, boasting all the trappings of the capital whilst maintaining its infamous village feel. 80 of the top 100 "Times" companies are in the city with over 60 foreign and international banks. A massive 60,000 students study for higher education here.

The city hosts an eclectic mix of the old and the new where the futuristic design and innovative shapes of its contemporary architecture sit side-by-side with the spires and grinning gargoyles of its proud past. Contemporary glass buildings include the Beetham Tower, home to the 285 bedroom Hilton Hotel and the sky bar, Cloud 23, on the 23rd floor where you can see as far as the Welsh Mountains, Liverpool and the Blackpool Tower. The building was a £150 million development and is the thinnest skyscraper in the world, visible from ten counties.

Retail Therapy

Manchester does funky fashionable chic and sleek better than anywhere else in the country. Browse for vintage one-offs in the Northern Quarter or cruise the designer stores of Harvey Nichols and Selfridges. Some of the world's famous designers have boutiques here including Louis Vuitton and Vivienne Westwood, Armani and Calvin Klein. The Arndale Centre has completely transformed since the bombing and is now one of Europe's largest shopping malls. St Ann's Square is a pedestrianised haven for shoppers as is the converted Corn Exchange, renamed the Triangle. We also have the largest Marks & Spencer in the world.

Outside of the centre is the gigantic shopping and leisure complex, the Trafford Centre, the largest centre of its kind in Europe. It covers an area equal to 30 football pitches and has restaurants, shops and close by is the most authentic indoor ski resort in the UK. It is the world's widest real snow indoor ski slope and is part of an Alpine village with shops and restaurants similar to what you would find in the Alps but on your doorstep!

Sport & Multi-Culture

We have more theatres than any other city outside London, two Premier League football teams, three Universities, two symphony orchestras and since the 1980s Manchester's popular music has dominated the charts. Cricket fans have Lancashire County Cricket Club and Rugby Union fans are catered for by local team Sale Sharks. Manchester's museums and galleries offer a great selection of world-class exhibitions throughout the year at the Lowry, the Museum of Science & Industry, the Imperial War Museum North and Urbis amongst others. The MEN Arena and the GMEX host a diverse range of shows, concerts and events every week.

Its world famous nightlife attracts visitors from all over the UK and overseas. The club scene made famous by the Hacienda continues to draw crowds. There are lots of live music venues offering you a chance to spot the next Smiths or Oasis.

Manchester has a large and lively gay and lesbian community. The area that has become known as the Gay Village was hitherto a rather rundown area of the city, and its pavement cafés and bars have helped create, in summertime a cosmopolitan and continental ambience, which attracts many people to its nightlife. The Gay Village probably represents the biggest concentration of gay interests and businesses in Europe.

Throughout the region every kind of variety of ethnic cuisine may be found. Pubs, inns, wine bars and cafes are as diverse as they are numerous. There is an endless choice of cutting edge designer hangouts from traditional boozers to cathedral sized bars and comfy watering holes.

Leave the Crowds Behind

By virtue of its central location within the British Isles, Manchester is an excellent base for tourism. Within one hour's drive are three National Parks (the virtually untouched wilderness of the Lake District, the Peak District and the Snowdonia National Park). Nearer are the well known Tatton and Lyme Parks. Also within easy reach are the seaside towns of the Fylde Coast, Blackpool, Morecambe as well as the historic cities of Lancaster, York, Chester and Liverpool. If you want to travel further afield Manchester Airport has flights departing to over 200 worldwide destinations. One of the fastest growing airports in the UK, Liverpool John Lennon Airport is a short 45 minute drive from Manchester and transports 6 million passengers around Europe a year. For further information visit www.visitnorthwest.com

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