Choosing Which UK City To Start Your First Business

27 May 2026

Toby Patrick

Want your article or story on our site? Contact us here

When it comes to the UK economy at the moment, a lot of prospective owners are probably of the mind that it's not the best time to start a new business. But this isn’t the case across the board. Numerous industries are either experiencing steady, consistent growth or are thriving on the chaos and remaining unfazed, like companies operating within AI and technology spaces.

While the type of industry is no doubt a huge factor that can determine the success of a business, in many cases, a company's location is just as important. Where you choose to settle can be influenced by several factors, from the cost of operations, employee wage expectations, rent, and so much more.

London

The UK’s capital is naturally home to the headquarters of a lot of very successful businesses, but with London’s high business rates, employee wage expectations and rental costs, setting up there can be eye-watering for a small, start-up business.

While some options a bit further out from the city might be more attractive in those aspects, it’s again dependent on the type of business you own. For example, a fashion retailer might thrive in London's city centre, as footfall, tourism, and overall population are higher than in any other major city. That being said, other areas can also be more attractive in terms of costs, such as a shopping centre in Essex and so forth.

It’s also worth noting that in 2023, the average turnover for a small business in London was just over 100,000, with 9% business growth.

Leeds

Known as one of the fastest-growing tech hubs in the North. Within the digital sector alone, there was a 125% growth above the national average, which screams new opportunities to start your own tech business here. Leeds is great for that area of business, but also holds the benefits of competitive business rates, much cheaper rental compared to southern areas, and you have the added advantage of being located in a skilled talent pool of university students, which allows you to build your company, train your business, and also offers affordable wages to begin with as you grow and enter a new market.

Manchester

England's second city and capital of the north is an unsurprisingly hub for a range of industries, with a history of success in the textile industry, but in recent years it has boasted promising opportunities for creative media and fashion, which are both going through periods of consistent growth.

Not to mention that Mancunians love their nightlife, so that would also be a promising opportunity, even if the hospitality industry is struggling by and large, bars in Manchester are having more success, as people there are heading straight to Irish bars for a pint, music and vibes so it’s something to consider for hospitality start-ups.

Fashion, like other cities such as London, is at Manchester’s core, but like other industries, it’s very competitive; that’s why incorporating a creative media element would allow new businesses within this field to thrive there.

Manchester as a whole can be expensive, but there are places where you can find a real bargain for rental units, there are also pretty competitive. It’s also worth considering that in 2023, Manchester's average business turnover was just under £90,000, with 4% growth that year.

Liverpool

Liverpool is another northern powerhouse with potential in a variety of fields and opportunities for professional services, such as tech and cybersecurity. Though it’s still a major UK city, its economy is slightly smaller than that of Manchester, while still growing consistently, but, on the bright side, operating costs are also generally lower.

There is an art to getting your foot in the door without being bled out in the first year on business rates and rent, so Liverpool is a great place to consider starting up. It might be an easier environment in which you can build your reputation, customer base, and make a name for yourself before expanding into other major cities.

Final Thoughts

When it comes to picking which city to start your start up it’s completely dependant on what industry you want to emerge into, what you can afford in terms of business rates, wage expectations and rent prices, as while you might not turn a profit in your first year or two, you don’t want to dig yourself into a hole that will burnout your business before you’ve even started.

The vast majority of cities tend to be tech and financial hubs, which just comes with the modern-day expectations and overall growth, but there are so many other industries that are also growing to consider, and choosing something you are passionate about can make individuals, whether it’s B2B or B2C, seem so much more inviting and interested in it compared to others.

Make sure you do your research in terms of growth within that industry in various locations over the last 5 to 10 years before setting up shop anywhere, as this will give a better insight into potential trends.

Current Most Read

Creative Strategies to Keep Small Business Marketing Fresh and Engaging

Why So Many People Are Searching for a More Authentic Life

Karrion Kross Released from WWE: What Happened and What Comes Next

Paul Francis
Aug 14, 2025
3 min read

Karrion Kross, known to wrestling fans around the world for his intense in-ring style and commanding presence, has once again parted ways with WWE. The news broke earlier this week, sparking a wave of reaction from fans and fellow wrestlers alike.

From the Indies to the Big Stage

Karrion Kross with long hair in a studded leather jacket stands confidently. The jacket features chains and graffiti art. Background is dimly lit. — Photo by Diego Serrano

Before signing with WWE, Kross built a reputation on the independent circuit under the name Killer Kross. His career began in the mid-2010s with appearances in promotions like Global Force Wrestling, Lucha Underground, and AAA in Mexico. With his imposing stature, MMA-influenced offence, and calculated promos, Kross quickly became a standout. His run in Impact Wrestling, alongside real-life partner Scarlett Bordeaux, cemented him as one of the hottest free agents in the business.

Arrival in WWE

Kross joined WWE’s NXT brand in early 2020, debuting with cinematic vignettes and instantly making an impact. Accompanied by Scarlett, his entrance became one of the most talked-about in the company. Within months, he captured the NXT Championship, defeating Keith Lee in dominant fashion.

However, an injury forced him to relinquish the title shortly after. Upon his return, he reclaimed the championship before eventually dropping it to Samoa Joe in 2021.

Why No "Killer Kross"?

When Kross signed with WWE, the company opted to change his name to “Karrion Kross.” The reasoning was twofold:

WWE prefers to trademark its talent’s ring names for exclusive branding and merchandising purposes. “Killer Kross” was already established in the independents and not owned by WWE.
The company wanted to present Kross with a new, unique identity that fit their vision for his character. The “Karrion” spelling played into the darker, foreboding aesthetic WWE was crafting for him.

While some fans embraced the new name, others never warmed to it, feeling it lost some of the grit of his indie persona.

Main Roster Struggles

Kross’s move to WWE’s main roster in mid-2021 proved controversial. Stripped of his NXT presentation and Scarlett’s accompaniment, he debuted wearing a gladiator-style mask and gear that fans felt clashed with his established image.

Creative changes, questionable booking decisions, and a lack of momentum eventually led to his first WWE release in November 2021.

Karrion Kross's Second Run and Sudden Exit

In 2022, under the leadership of Triple H, Kross returned to WWE with Scarlett by his side. Hopes were high for a rejuvenated push, and while he was featured in feuds with Drew McIntyre and Rey Mysterio, his on-screen appearances became sporadic in 2023 and 2024.

Earlier this week, WWE announced his release once again. The move has raised eyebrows among fans, with some speculating it could be a “work” designed to set up a storyline surprise down the line.

Fan Response

Reactions have been split. Many fans have voiced frustration, calling it a waste of talent and a missed opportunity for WWE to create a top-tier villain. Others argue that Kross’s WWE run never fully clicked with audiences outside of NXT.

One thing is clear: his release has reignited debate about WWE’s creative direction and its handling of unique talent.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D7ADUOeEdAo

Kross has already posted a video message to fans on his official YouTube channel, addressing the release and teasing what might come next.

What’s Next for Karrion Kross?

If his past career moves are any indication, Kross will not be short on opportunities. A return to the independent circuit, or even a move to AEW, Impact Wrestling, or New Japan Pro Wrestling, would allow him to reconnect with fans who appreciated his original “Killer Kross” persona.

Should this turn out to be a WWE storyline twist, it could lead to one of the more memorable comebacks in recent years. Either way, the wrestling world will be watching closely to see where he lands next.