ABSTRACT
When Britain emerged as the world's 'First Industrial Nation', one of its principal engines of growth was located within a thirty-mile radius of Manchester in North West England. While by the mid-twentieth century this industrial district was still a significant economic centre, not only had its prominent position been successfully challenged by a host of late-comers, but also relatively little effort had been made to adapt to a range of exogenous pressures. Of course, one might question whether these challenges were beyond the control of a single business community, given the general problems faced by the British economy after 1880. On the other hand, it is vital to consider the co-ordination and signalling mechanisms devised by the Manchester business elite, as well as the actual responses implemented at varying stages in the region's life-cycle. This will provide a better understanding of the regional dynamics that contributed to the evolutionary pattern of Manchester's industrial district.
