Santander, Ernst & Young and Eversheds LLP are among the
latest wave of organisations to have pledged their commitment to
create jobs, attract investment and support innovation in the
north.
It means almost 90 leading organisations have now pledged to be
Northern Powerhouse Partners – a key part of the government’s
ambitious plan to turbocharge the north’s economy.
Northern Powerhouse Minister and Commercial Secretary
today brought the 88
new and existing Northern Powerhouse Partners together in
Manchester, to discuss opportunities and ideas to champion the
region.
It comes after Northern Powerhouse Partner Vodafone announced it
plans to create around 800 jobs in Manchester and 600 new jobs in
Newcastle over the next 2 years.
Northern Powerhouse Minister said:
From Siemens to Vodafone, the investment being made by major
businesses is further proof that the Northern Powerhouse
economy is firing on all cylinders.
We’re determined to support this region so that it reaches its
full potential.
Now we’ve got the backing of almost 90 different organisations,
which is absolutely vital to securing the economic future of
the north for years to come.
Commercial Secretary to the Treasury, said:
Today’s announcement is proof that businesses back our ambition
to build a Northern Powerhouse which is crucial to its success.
I’m committed to secure the infrastructure, investment and
support the north needs to become a global economic heavyweight
at the very heart of the UK economy.
That’s why we are meeting businesses, universities and
organisations across the region today to listen to their views
on the action we can take to help unleash the north’s full
potential.
Rob Mukherjee, Director of Regional Business, North West, at
Vodafone UK said:
Vodafone is pleased to be hosting the first Spring Summit for
Northern Powerhouse Partners and have the opportunity to work
alongside other organisations committed to helping the region
go from strength to strength.
There’s never been a more important time for industry,
government and communities to work together. The Partner
Network is providing an excellent forum for us to hear from and
engage with communities and enterprises on further
opportunities to support growth, innovation and skills
development across the region.
Businesses backing the Northern Powerhouse
Building a Northern Powerhouse is a key part of this government’s
plan for Britain, to create a strong economy that works for
everyone.
That includes £3.4 billion in Local Growth Deals to boost
economic growth across the region, and a dedicated Northern
Powerhouse Investment Fund offering £400 million to support small
businesses to reach their full potential.
On top of this, devolution deals are also putting power in the
hands of local people. On 4 May, residents across Greater
Manchester will also have the chance to vote for a new Combined
Authority Mayor. The new Mayor will have control of almost £1
billion new funding over 30 years to grow the local economy.
The 8 new Northern Powerhouse Partners will join existing
champions including Barclays, Siemens and Vodafone in Manchester
to discuss how the Northern Powerhouse strategy can help even
further.
Part of this will include using the new Northern Powerhouse
Partners Network. This network helps encourage businesses to
focus on their key strengths and areas for development across the
north – from connectivity and culture to skills and science.
The 8 new Northern Powerhouse Partners are:
- Eversheds LLP
- Colliers International
- Santander
- Hyper Island
- Newcastle Gateshead Initiative
- Hull City of Culture
- Northern Powerhouse Partnership
- Ernst & Young
These companies join the list of existing partners including
Manchester Airport Group, Peel Ports, Barclays, Vodafone, the
Peel Group, Atkins Global, North Wales Business Council, Northern
Power Women and PD Ports bringing the total number of partners up
to 88.
