Northern Powerhouse gains business partner boost

Dozens of leading businesses have become Northern Powerhouse partners in a major boost to the government’s ambitions.

Taking the number of Northern Powerhouse partners to over the 30 mark, these companies have each committed to help the north achieve its full potential – and attract new jobs and investment to the region.

The businesses taking part in the Northern Powerhouse partnership programme will join a new network of leaders who strongly believe in the potential to grow the Northern economy and are committed to delivering this growth. The new network will focus on four key priorities: connectivity and transport; skills, science and innovation; quality of life and culture, and devolution.

New partners announced today include: Peel Ports; Siemens; Northern Health Science Alliance; Visit Hull and East Yorkshire; Leeds Bradford Airport; Carlisle Lake District Airport; North Invest; and Creative Inclusive Industries.

David Gauke, Chief Secretary to the Treasury, said: “We are determined to create a Northern Powerhouse and are clear we must work closely with businesses to pool the abundance of talent across the North to make this a reality.

“Dozens of bold businesses are sending a clear message by joining us in this quest to make the Northern Powerhouse an even better place to live, work and invest in. But this is just the start, and I would encourage other leading companies to sign up to our new scheme, so we can continue to work together to unleash the full potential of our great northern towns and cities.”

Northern Powerhouse Minister Andrew Percy added: “We are determined to create an economy that works for everyone, which is why we’re backing the Northern Powerhouse with the investment and powers it needs to unleash its huge untapped potential.

“And with 187,000 jobs created in the North in the past year alone and billions invested through devolution deals, Northern businesses signed up to our new partner programme can be a catalyst for economic growth, not just in the North but throughout the country.”