Seat Unique opens Manchester office

Seat Unique is opening a new office in Manchester in a bid to capitalise on the “booming northern economy”, its cultural scene, and its findings of increased demand for premium live experiences.

The new office will be located moments from St. Peter’s Square in the city centre and will head up the company’s operations across Northern England.

“Manchester’s fast-growing economy and buzzing energy makes the city a magnet for innovation and creativity,” said founder and chief executive of Seat Unique, Robin Sherry.

“Now, with a dedicated presence in Manchester, we’re making a commitment to the North of England, which is home to a community of people who share our hunger for unforgettable experiences.

“We know there is also a huge opportunity for sports clubs and large venues to grow alongside the ever-increasing demand for live experiences. There’s a lot to do but we’re excited to kick things off with a launch party in true Manchester (and Seat Unique!) style.”

The Manchester team is aiming to drive business development, strengthen relationships with local partners, secure more partnership deals with rights holders in the North, and provide a direct link to the company’s national operations based in London.

According to EY’s 2024 Regional Economic Forecast, Manchester’s economy is set to grow by an average of 2.2% annually until 2027, outpacing the national average.

By 2027, the city’s local economy is expected to expand by more than £2.4bn ($2.9bn/€2.85bn).

“In 2024, Seat Unique saw an 89% year-on-year increase in premium ticket and hospitality package sales from major cities in the North, including Manchester, Liverpool, York and Newcastle,” said Seat Unique’s chief operating officer James Duffy.

“Across all its locations last year, Seat Unique sales were up 74% compared to 2023.

“Despite economic uncertainty, the growth of the northern experience economy has helped Manchester blossom into the economic powerhouse it is today. There’s an undeniable enthusiasm for premium tickets that transform a regular event into something truly memorable. Seat Unique’s expansion will firmly put us on the map in Manchester’s live event scene, and we look forward to contributing to the city’s growth.”