Published in November 2018, the report will form the first stage of the Greater Manchester Independent Prosperity Review. This review is explored under the ‘Five Foundations’: place, people, ideas, business environment, and infrastructure. Overall, this evidence review showcases a positive yet complex story for Greater Manchester (GM). GM's economy and population has seen strong growth over the past twenty years and is forecast to outperform those of the UK as a whole, However, there are worklessness, productivity, health, skills and business density concerns across the region, with inter-region inequalities. The report highlights key areas of potential to improve the region and areas for further research.