UK cities 2014: Manchester

Of all UK regional cities, Manchester is the one most like London. It’s large (2.5m people), wealthy (£46bn gross value added) and its property market is busier and bigger and many times more competitive than its regional rivals. Only London surpasses it.

Peter Saville: the new order

The UK’s most famous graphic designer and a man whose stamp is printed indelibly on his hometown of Manchester, Peter Saville is that rare breed: someone…

Refinancing returns to the fold

Although the Co-operative Bank’s recent troubles have caused jitters in the North West where it is a big lender, the region’s underlying strength is attracting a flock of new funders. David Thame reports

Manchester offices: Sun shines on the rainy city

With the UK basking in unseasonably warm weather, a number of key regional office markets, including Manchester, seem to be thawing. The rainy city’s flagship schemes had been scuppered by the recession and infighting, but some are now starting to step into the sunshine. Chris Berkin reports