International Competitiveness

For over two hundred years, England’s Northwest has been a thriving economy of not only national, but of global significance. It is the UK's largest regional economy, bigger than 14 European Union countries. Its international airports serve over 270 destinations worldwide, and our excellent motorway networks and fast rail links connect the region to all corners of the UK.

But from the industrial revolution, through to the region’s more recent renaissance as a dynamic, cosmopolitan hotbed of hi-tech innovation and creative and knowledge-based industries, the NWDA has long recognised that long-term, sustainable economic growth is about success in international markets as much as the UK.

One of the key priorities of the NWDA therefore is to continue to develop the international competitiveness of the region. The Agency is working with UK Trade and Investment to enhance international trade in the region through reducing the barriers and perceived risks of exporting, improving resources and increasing awareness and understanding of overseas markets.

Equally, the Agency prioritises overseas inward investment into the region as a crucial driver of continued economic growth. With partner organisations and stakeholders, it works to promote England’s Northwest as a dynamic, successful location for overseas companies.

The pressures of globalisation have presented both opportunities and risks for companies in developed and developing countries alike.  The NWDA also works with companies to enable them to manage their international supply chain in such a way that they can retain as much high value production in the UK and remain globally competitive.