What we do

CityCo strives to make Manchester city centre a better place to work, visit and live.

CityCo is a membership organisation that connects businesses with each other, and public agencies, to drive forward initiatives that support an improved, thriving and aspirational city experience. We seek to support economic growth and ensure the city is competing on national and international scale.

As a member, businesses are supporting the full range of CityCo and Piccadilly Partnership activity.

  • We run networking events to bring executives together and ensure members are up to speed with city plans.
  • We provide operational and security services, facilitate working groups and give advice where it’s needed.
  • We work to make the city centre greener, more sustainable and bio-diverse.
  • We work to bring life to our public spaces; developing and promoting the unique characteristics of our city villages; connecting people, improving the environment and running quality events that attract interest and build our reputation as a place where great things happen.
  • From April 2013 CityCo will manage Manchester’s first Business Improvement District (BID) – Heart of Manchester. Running for five years, the BID will deliver promotional and customer service initiatives to benefit city centre retailers. This marks the starts of an exciting opportunity for the city.

Find out more

To talk to us about what we do and how you can benefit, please call 0161 838 3250 or email members@cityco.com.

A few words of support from our partners, and about our projects.

The Manchester Picnic

“I can’t praise the whole event enough. It was simply one of the best events I’ve ever attended – not simply from a commercial point of view – but the organisation, trader mix and entertainment were all varied and of the best quality. The marketing hit a varied audience, with different ages in attendance and lots families, and the use of social media before, during and after was impressive. I can’t wait to work with you again.” Proprietor, Castro

The 2012 Canal Festival – Atelier Project

“A phenomenal amount of work went into this project and the results reflect this. It is very exciting to see the scheme come together so well, and to show the benefits of connecting so many international partners in this type of collaboration.” Professor, Manchester School of Architecture

The PA Network

“I attended the Harvey Nichols event last night and I’d like to let you know it was a great evening. All the staff were very accommodating and the demonstrations were great. Myself and a friend took up the special offers and I’m booked in for a make-over at Benefit this month, so I would say the evening was a great success! Many thanks for organising.” PA, Taylors Solicitors

Manchester Craft and Design Centre

“An enormous thank you for all your support. We really are keen to work in tandem to make the Northern Quarter a better place to work and live. Thanks for helping us to take the next step towards a more sustainable future.” Director, Manchester Craft and Design Centre

Positive feedback following 2011’s civil disturbances

Park Inn Manchester Victoria

“Thank you for the recent information, clear updates and support that you and the Cityco team have given in the last few days. This has all been very useful to our business in light of the current situation. The Night net radio was also a great help to allow us to keep track of the events as they happened. I would like to think you have many businesses very grateful of your recent support. Once again many thanks from everyone at the Park Inn.” Manager, Park Inn

Michael John Training School

“I just wanted to say a big thank you on behalf of our business. Your updates have been exceptionally useful over this difficult time and greatly appreciated.” Director, Michael John Training

Other words of support

British Transport Police

“The support received from the Manchester Business Crime Reduction Partnership has been invaluable in combating retail theft at both Piccadilly and Victoria train stations. Inclusion within Business Intelligence meetings and support in promoting theft has directly led to the arrest and prosecution of several offenders. CityCo’s work is clear evidence that a joint approach with all parties working to the same objectives is key to driving down retail crime.” Sergeant, BTP

Argent Estates Ltd

“CityCo acts as an outstanding example of how a partnership between the public and private sectors can really work. CityCo is the glue which holds Manchester city centre together.” Director, Argent

House of Fraser Kendal’s

“CityCo play a huge role in ensuring Manchester maintains its competitive edge over other cities. With the arrival of new initiatives like the 'Manchester Heart of Fashion’ campaign, it is no coincidence that yet again Manchester’s retail economy has out-performed the rest of the UK.” General Manager, House of Fraser

Transport for Greater Manchester

“A partnership with CityCo has been invaluable in helping TFGM revitalise the city centre’s Metrolink network. Not only has CityCo helped shape improvements to the public realm surrounding the tram lines, the team has been key to pulling together all the public and private sector players involved.” Director, TFGM

Debenhams

“I have been delighted by the support I have received from CityCo. Their marketing and stewardship expertise has added real value to a successful trading year for Debenhams.” Store Manager, Debenhams

Manchester Cathedral

“CityCo plays a vital role in the city by bringing the private and public sectors together in a joint vision for moving the city forward. We see our membership as vital in helping CityCo deliver its objectives to enhance the city.” Director, Manchester Cathedral

Manchester Arndale

“Manchester Arndale works closely with CityCo to deliver successful campaigns to promote the city centre. Also during recent student protests, CityCo has been instrumental in bringing together key parties. A lot of goodwill and energy has gone into making this team-work happen – our partnership is a great example of joined-up thinking.” General Manager, Manchester Arndale

The Corn Exchange

“CityCo’s Business Crime Reduction Partnership work tirelessly to ensure that city centre retailers, Greater Manchester Police and other agencies work together to reduce retail crime. The team are passionate about helping the retailers and are always willing to assist.” Director, The Corn Exchange

Enquire about membership

    To enquire about membership please email
    members@cityco.com
 

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