Seat Unique, a platform connecting fans with premium tickets and hospitality packages for events, is expanding its UK footprint with the opening of a new office in Manchester.聽
The London-based firm recently announced investment from 4CAST, a media and investment group founded by England cricketing stars Ben Stokes, Stuart Broad, Jofra Archer and Jos Buttler.
Located in the centre of Manchester, the new office will head up Seat Unique鈥檚 operations across Northern England.
It says that the decision has been made to capitalise on the booming Northern economy, its cultural scene and a soaring demand for premium live experiences in the region.聽
The Manchester team are set to drive business development, strengthen relationships with local partners and give fans access to more live events.
鈥淢anchester鈥檚 fast-growing economy and buzzing energy makes the city a magnet for innovation and creativity,” said Robin Sherry, founder and CEO.
鈥淣ow, with a dedicated presence in Manchester, we鈥檙e making a commitment to the North of England, which is home to a community of people who share our hunger for unforgettable experiences.”
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Seat Unique, which recently ranked 4th in Sifted鈥檚 UK and Ireland 100 and 5th in Deloitte鈥檚 Fast 50, joins a growing cohort of tech companies and startups flocking to Manchester, one of the UK鈥檚 fastest-growing cities.聽
According to EY鈥檚 2024 Regional Economic Forecast, Manchester鈥檚 economy is set to grow by an average of 2.2% annually between 2024 and 2027, outpacing the national average. By 2027, the city鈥檚 local economy is expected to expand by over 拢2.4 billion.
Opportunities for Seat Unique in Manchester have been fuelled by Manchester鈥檚 live event infrastructure. The 23,500-capacity Co-op Live venue opened its doors in April 2024, and the AO Arena鈥檚 recent redevelopment cemented Manchester鈥檚 reputation as a global music hotspot.聽
This year, Premier League champions Manchester City are expanding the Etihad Stadium to a 61,000-capacity arena.
James Duffy, COO of Seat Unique, added: 鈥淚n 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.
鈥淒espite economic uncertainty, the growth of the northern experience economy has helped Manchester blossom into the economic powerhouse it is today. We look forward to contributing to the city鈥檚 growth.鈥澛犅�
Seat Unique will be hoping to build on its growing network, with the business having already built relationships at venues including London鈥檚 Wembley Stadium and the Co-op Live in Manchester, as well as clubs and promoters such as Yorkshire County Cricket Club and Jacksonville Jaguars UK.