Channel 4 is set to significantly expand its Manchester office, revealing plans to boost its commitment to regional presence and diversity.
- The broadcaster will advertise 600 new roles outside London, enhancing opportunities in cities like Leeds, Manchester, Bristol, and Glasgow.
- A relocation and financial support package will be provided for employees wishing to transfer from London to regional offices.
- In summer 2025, Channel 4 will open a new 100-desk office space in Manchester’s No. 1 St Michael’s development.
- This initiative is part of Channel 4’s Fast Forward strategy, focusing on skills, content, and people to reflect the entire UK.
Channel 4 has unveiled plans to invigorate its regional presence by doubling its footprint in Manchester, as part of a wider strategy to decentralise operations. The broadcaster aims to reach 600 new roles outside the capital, underlining its dedication to increased representation across the UK.
New roles will be actively recruited across all Channel 4 locations, aiming to draw talent from Leeds, Manchester, Bristol, and Glasgow. This move emphasises the channel’s strategy to diversify its workforce geographically, away from a London-centric model.
To support this transition, Channel 4 will introduce a relocation and financial support package. This initiative encourages current London-based employees to consider moving to one of the regional offices, thus aligning with the channel’s commitment to decentralising operations.
A significant development in this strategy is the new 100-desk office space planned for Manchester. Scheduled to open in summer 2025, this new office at No. 1 St Michael’s will more than double Channel 4’s existing capacity in the city, signifying the company’s increased investment and commitment to the North.
Alex Mahon, Chief Executive of Channel 4, expressed enthusiasm about these developments, indicating the move is part of Channel 4’s Fast Forward strategy, which focuses on skills, content, and people. By expanding outwards, Channel 4 seeks to ensure its operations serve and reflect the nation more holistically.
Gary Neville, a director at Relentless Developments, the firm behind No. 1 St Michael’s, welcomed Channel 4’s enhanced presence, recognising the broadcaster’s strong reputation for bold and innovative programming.
Channel 4’s move to expand in Manchester underscores its strategic commitment to diversify and decentralise its operations across the UK.
