The people, family firms and independent businesses that make Manchester tick: founder stories, local shops, homes, gardens and community.
Since 1982, Afflecks has given small traders an affordable place to start out, and the former department store building helped spark the creative Northern Quarter that surrounds it today.
Founded in 1886 to import cane for the baskets of Manchester's cotton mills, Fred Aldous is still run by the same family and has become a much-loved home for makers.
Founded in the mid-1990s as a workers' co-operative with a flat structure and equal pay, Chorlton's Unicorn Grocery has won national awards and was once saved by its own customers.
Launched in April 2025 on the former Levenshulme Market site, Levy Artisan Market brings monthly Sunday markets and a Friday night market back to the heart of the community.
Established in 2002 and winner of a national bookselling award, Bramhall's Simply Books has been taken on by new owners who have added a café and book clubs.