Channel 4 Sets Out Bold Package of Measures to Bolster Presence Across the UK

Above: Gary Neville, Alex Mahon, Jonathan Allan and Anthony Kilbride.

Channel 4 is today announcing new plans to boost its strategy to reach 600 roles outside London as it approaches the fifth anniversary of opening its regional bases.  

Since opening offices in Leeds, Bristol and Glasgow, Channel 4 has increased its footprint outside London, built an organisation more representative of the UK, and championed programme-making across the whole country. 

Today it has announced that it will advertise new roles across all its locations. It will prioritise recruitment outside London, with new roles to be actively recruited in Leeds, Manchester, Bristol or Glasgow.  

Additionally, Channel 4 will introduce a relocation and financial support package for employees wanting to move out of London to another Channel 4 office. 

As Channel 4’s Leeds base becomes more populated over time, coupled with the redevelopment of its current Manchester office, a new 100-desk space will open in the city’s newest development, No. 1 St Michael’s, in summer 2025. This will more than double the size of Channel 4’s current footprint in Manchester whilst it forges ahead with plans to reduce its London desk-space with the future sale of Horseferry Road. 

Today’s news is the first in a series of announcements focused on three key pillars: skills, content, and people – each designed to ensure Channel 4 continues to serve and reflect the entire country, now and in the future. 

The move forms a key part of Channel 4’s Fast Forward strategy focused on growing the organisation’s presence outside London while delivering its remit to represent and champion the whole of the UK.  

Alex Mahon, chief executive, Channel 4 said, “This is a really special moment for Channel 4 as we continue our significant momentum to grow our presence across the UK.  

“Channel 4 has always led the way in representation and now we are going even further, strengthening our Nations and Regions commitment and offering our people the opportunity to relocate out of London and making all new roles available at any of our regional locations.  

“Manchester has always been a really important base for Channel 4, and we’re excited to be working with Gary Neville and his team at Relentless to grow our presence in this great city.” 

Gary Neville, director at Relentless Developments, developers of No. 1 St Michael’s, said, “We’re really pleased to welcome Channel 4 to No.1 St Michael’s. The broadcaster has a strong reputation for bold and creative content, and it justifiably joins the portfolio of highly renowned brands here at St Michael’s.”