The notion of a 'rewired Britain', as touted by Prime Minister Andy Burnham, is gaining momentum with his ambitious plan to establish a 'No 10 North' in Manchester. This executive office, modelled after the BBC's highly successful 'Out of London' strategy, seeks to devolve power and resources to cities and regions across the UK.
The BBC's move to MediaCityUK in Salford, Greater Manchester, has been hailed as a pioneering effort in decentralisation. Initially met with scepticism from within the organisation, the relocation has flourished into a thriving 200-acre media and technology hub. Today, MediaCityUK is home to 3,500 BBC staff across key departments like BBC Children's, 5 Live, 6 Music, and BBC Sport, alongside 250 other creative and tech businesses.
A key factor in the BBC's success was its commitment to a significant shift in the broadcaster's centre of gravity. Alice Webb, who oversaw the Salford move and later became Director of BBC North, highlighted the importance of relocating entire departments rather than just representatives. This strategic decision ensured a meaningful redistribution of resources and decision-making power.
Beyond the BBC, other major organisations have also decentralised their operations. Channel 4 is now headquartered in Leeds, while the Office for National Statistics (ONS) moved its head office from London to Newport, South Wales in 2007. HMRC’s largest hub is located in Newcastle, and successive governments have been committed to relocating tens of thousands of civil servants from the capital.
While some Labour MPs have expressed reservations about Prime Minister Burnham's plan, citing concerns it may be 'performative' or a 'gimmick', the precedents set by these initiatives suggest that large-scale decentralisation can be effective. The ambition is not just to move jobs but to fundamentally alter the distribution of influence and opportunity across the UK, potentially fostering new talent pools and economic growth in regional centres.