Business contacts
Car hire Call Avis, Tel: 236 6716 Taxis Mantax, Tel: 230 3333 Office rental Contact Easy Everything, Tel: 0800 0855050 Mobile phone hire Cellhire, Tel: 236 0505

Weather and climate
There is no point beating around the bush: Manchester’s weather is synonymous with only one natural phenomenon—rain. The climate is temperate but skies are generally overcast and it is most inadvisable to venture out without an umbrella, no matter what the time of year.

Local press
City Life, published every Thursday, is a journal of which the city can be justly proud. Youth-based, lively and eclectic, it provides a bible for anyone visiting the city. The Manchester Evening News, published by the Guardian Group, also offers daily updates on what is going on in the local area. Metro is also widely available and offers extensive listings for the city.

Tourist traps
While the Granada Centre might be lauded as a valuable window into the city’s cultural life, the only thing of interest there is The Rovers Return pub, made famous by TV soap Coronation Street. The Arndale Centre should also be avoided. Touted as an indoor shopper’s paradise, it is really little more than a depressing mall selling even more depressing merchandise.

Tipping etiquette
Standard UK rules apply: 10% for taxis and restaurants if the service is not included (though be sure to check on restaurant bills). Note that it is not form in Britain to tip bar staff in pubs—if they’re particularly helpful, offer instead to buy them a drink. This is not the case, however, in the smarter cocktail bars. Hotel bellboys and porters will appreciate a couple of pounds for helping with your luggage.

Internet cafés
easyInternet cafés can be found at 8 Exchange Street and 347 Wilmslow Road, Fallowfield (www.easyeverything.co.uk).

Gifts to buy
With so many shops to choose from you’ll be spoiled for choice, but Harvey Nichols and Selfridges, located extremely close to each other are good places to start if you are looking for high-quality brands. The Royal Exchange Centrealso houses several exquisite antique shops.