Manchester is a very important city in England, and is often called the "Capital of the North". Manchester has many places for the arts, places for learning, businesses providing media as well as lots of shops. In a poll of British managers in 2006, Manchester was named the best place in Britain to have a business.

As a host city, Manchester offers an endless choice of entertainment and leisure options. Home to the largest theatre land outside London and with the busiest indoor arena in the world, from theatres and galleries, to designer shops and one-off boutiques, Manchester’s extensive choice has helped to establish the city as one of Europe’s most exciting conference destinations.