Manchester has become a more attractive destination for business students than London, according to the head of Gary Neville and his Class of ‘92 classmates’ University Academy 92 (UA92).
Speaking to London-based business paper CityAM, UA92 chief exec Sara Prowse described the Northern metropolis, which data from EY projected would become the UK’s fastest-growing city in 2024, as “the new, more vibrant London.”
UA92, which has a base in Manchester United’s native Trafford as well as the city centre, was founded by Manchester United’s Class of 92, including Neville and brother Phil, Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt, and the University of Lancaster. Gary Neville is frequently described as the “driving force” behind the university, and has even been known to man the phones for students seeking scholarships at the school, which prioritises places for youngsters from non-traditional further education backgrounds.
The educational establishment partners with more than 80 businesses including KPMG, McCann, Manchester United, Microsoft, Cisco and TalkTalk.
Prowse said: “Manchester has a flourishing business community with growth outstripping every other area of the UK. The amount of inward investment, as well as the number of businesses setting up in Manchester – or relocating here – means the outlook for Manchester is even more exciting than the capital.
“Manchester is the new, more vibrant, London in many ways. Manchester is challenging London and has firmly established itself as the best place to do business outside of London.
“And now with a forward-thinking university pioneering the most-relevant business curriculum, UA92 has grown into the genuine second choice for business students who would have previously had to go to London.”
As well as UA92, Greater Manchester hosts Alliance Manchester Business School at the University of Manchester and Salford Business School at the University of Salford.
Prowse added: “Maybe 20 years ago young people in the North did need to go to London to further their careers but, with all of the big players that are moving to Manchester, that is no longer the case.
“Our degree applications are up 20 per cent in 2025 – this is a huge figure considering the national average is a 0.6 per cent rise year on year.
“Our partnerships with business allows us to tailor our courses and keep them up-to-date and relevant to the modern employment landscape.
“London business degrees will often get you an interview but a business degree from UA92 will get you the job.”
Prowse joined UA92 in May 2021 after having previously been the CEO of Hotter Shoes.
