ABSTRACT
This chapter sketches a concise profile of Manchester and its economy and discusses of the cultural industries and explains the elements of the cluster in Manchester, including the firms, educational institutions, demand and the various government organisations. It describes the relations and dynamics in the cultural-industries cluster in Manchester. The city of Manchester is internationally known as the first city of the industrial revolution. The city has long been an important economic centre. Education institutions are significant actors in the field of the cultural industries. Manchester is home to a very large student population. The cultural industries and design in particular fulfil a function within the Manchester economy, which has undergone a major transformation. Manchester's reputation in popular youth culture is a fruitful base for cultural enterprise to grow. However, for the cluster, and the field of design in particular, to develop further, its strength needs to be enhanced.
