Corporate Housing in Greater Manchester

Learn about the top employers in Greater Manchester and their contributions to the local economy. This section highlights key businesses and organisations that play a significant role in the community and shape the city's vibrant economic landscape.

Do you mean "top" by number of employees in Greater Manchester (largest employers operating there) or "top" by companies headquartered in Greater Manchester? Which would you prefer?

Explore the diverse transport options available in Greater Manchester, from efficient public transportation systems to convenient road networks. Whether you're commuting to work or exploring the city, this section will give you an overall look at the available transportation systems.

Public Transit System
- Metrolink (tram network) - Extensive light-rail network radiating from the city centre to key suburbs and interchanges (e.g., Altrincham, Bury, Eccles, Manchester Airport) with frequent services, step-free stops, and city-centre street running; integrates with buses and rail at many hubs.
- National Rail (local & regional trains) - Dense suburban and regional rail services operated by multiple train companies, serving major stations including Manchester Piccadilly, Oxford Road, Victoria and smaller commuter stations across Greater Manchester for journeys into the city and across the North.
- Intercity Rail - Long-distance services linking Manchester to London, Birmingham, Leeds, Glasgow, and other major UK cities (operators include Avanti West Coast, TransPennine Express and others), providing high-frequency express connections.
- Buses (local and urban) - Large network of local and cross-city bus routes operated by multiple operators serving urban and suburban areas; many routes converge on central interchanges (e.g., Piccadilly Gardens, Shudehill) and are being integrated under GM’s Bee Network ambitions.
- Coaches (national & regional) - Long-distance coach services (e.g., National Express, Megabus) connecting Manchester to other UK cities and airports with dedicated coach stops and interchanges.
- Park & Ride / Park & Rail - Multiple park-and-ride and park-and-rail facilities at suburban rail and tram stations to support commuters driving from outer suburbs and towns.
- Taxis & private hire - Licensed black cabs and a range of private hire / app-based services operating across the conurbation for point-to-point travel and last-mile connections.
- Airport surface connections - Frequent rail (direct to Piccadilly), tram (Metrolink), dedicated airport buses and coach links connect Manchester Airport to the city region and beyond; extensive ground-transport interchange at the airport.

Major Highways
- M60 - Orbital motorway encircling Greater Manchester, providing ring-road access to most boroughs and connections to radial motorways.
- M62 - East–west trans-Pennine motorway linking Greater Manchester with Liverpool, Leeds and the eastern north of England.
- M56 - Southwest route connecting Greater Manchester to Cheshire, Chester and providing a key link to Manchester Airport.
- M6 - Major north–south motorway on the eastern edge of the region, linking to the Midlands, North West and Scotland.
- M61 - Northwest route linking Manchester to Preston and the wider M6 corridor.
- M67 - Short eastbound motorway connecting Manchester towards the A628 trans-Pennine route and the Peak District (local link to eastern suburbs).
- M66 - Northern approach linking the M60 with routes north toward Bury and the Rossendale valley.
- A6 - Historic north–south arterial route through Stockport, Manchester city centre and northwards; key commuter and freight corridor.
- A57 (Mancunian Way/Trans-Pennine link) - Important east–west arterial through the city centre and link to eastern suburbs and the Pennines.
- A34 / A56 / A580 (East Lancashire Road) - Major radial A-roads carrying heavy commuter and freight traffic between Manchester and surrounding towns and cities.

Cycling Infrastructure
- Cycle lanes & Bee Network cycleways - Growing network of on-road cycle lanes, segregated cycleways and quietways across central Manchester and suburbs as part of the Bee Network and active travel investment; includes protected sections, traffic-calming measures, cycle parking and local cycle-hire schemes to encourage modal shift and safer everyday cycling.

Recent and Upcoming Improvements
- Metrolink extensions and capacity works - Recent line openings (e.g., Trafford Park) and earlier projects (Second City Crossing) have increased capacity; further extension proposals and network improvements continue to be planned to serve growing travel demand.
- Bee Network & bus franchising - Phased rollout of the Bee Network to integrate bus services, fares and timetables under local control, with the aim of simpler fares, higher service standards and greater network cohesion.
- Manchester Piccadilly station redevelopment - Major planned redevelopment to expand capacity, modernise concourses and better integrate rail services (linked to wider northern rail plans); project details and scope are progressing with phased delivery.
- TransPennine Route Upgrade and rail electrification - Ongoing route upgrades and electrification on key regional corridors to improve speeds, reliability and capacity for both commuter and intercity services.
- Airport surface-access and terminal improvements - Manchester Airport’s ongoing transformation and surface-access improvements aim to enhance rail, tram and road access, passenger interchange and terminal capacity.
- Active travel & cycling investments - Continued funding and delivery of segregated cycle routes, junction upgrades, secure parking and behaviour-change programmes to boost walking and cycling uptake.
- Smart ticketing & integrated fares - Wider rollout of contactless payments, mobile ticketing and integrated fare options to simplify journeys across trams, trains and buses within Greater Manchester.
- Road safety and junction upgrades / targeted highway improvements - Local authority-led schemes to reduce congestion, improve safety at key junctions and support bus priority measures to improve reliability of public transport.

(Note: specific project schedules and national rail programmes such as Northern Powerhouse Rail/HS2-related works are subject to periodic review and change by national and local government.)

In Greater Manchester, finding the right corporate housing can be challenging - especially within budget all year round. That is where we help companies, contracting consultants, professionals and business executives find the right place to stay when working away from home. Our properties offer the perfect serviced accommodation with a range of central and easy-access locations in Greater Manchester. Whether it be one week, one month or one year - and one person or a full team, we have flexible housing options to suit you.