Our work: Place
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A voice for place
We champion the positive impacts that businesses have on the places in which they operate. Either through direct investment, involvement in local projects or advocacy for specific opportunities – we look to harness the positive power of business to make the North West a region where businesses and communities can flourish.
We focus on the need for innovation, to boost productivity and improve the long-term prospects for the diverse places of the North West and its businesses across a range of sectors.
In March 2023, working with the UK2070 Commission and others, we published a paper ‘The Business Case for Place’ which explores what more business can do to make a positive impact to the places in which they are located. You can download the paper here.
Boosting finance for innovation
Our research has shown that many businesses in the region continue to face challenges in securing the early-stage finance they need to grow. This picture has improved, as set out in our Innovation Finance Update Report (which can be downloaded here), but there is still more to do.
We’re continuing to work with a range of partners and places to identify ways to improve the visibility of investible innovative businesses and raise awareness amongst the investment community of the potential that the region offers. This includes being a key sponsor of ‘Wired for Growth’ alongside HSBC UK, London Stock Exchange, Manchester Digital and YFM Equity Partners. Driven by KPMG Acceleris Wired for Growth is the North West’s call to arms to scale the innovative companies of the future.
Net zero and sustainable growth
As the region with the highest concentration of advanced manufacturing and chemical production in the UK, a successful transition to a net zero economy is a top priority for the North West. We helped establish and remain a strategic partner to Net Zero North West, an industry-led initiative working to make sure the shift to net zero creates long-term economic opportunity for the region.
You can find more information about Net Zero North West and our partnership, here.
We are also delighted to be a strategic partner with Glass Futures.
Productive places
As with much of the UK, the North West continues to underperform economically against its international peers, especially in terms of productivity. Increased productivity means greater potential for higher earnings and a re-balancing of some of the inequalities that have characterised many of our towns and cities for too long. We acted as a driving force behind the North West ‘Made Smarter’ pilot. We continue to advocate for investment in science-based assets and champion the benefits of digitalisation, high-performance computing, and AI.
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Responsible Business Leadership
We provide a clear business voice that emphasises our growth sectors and supports the initiatives, causes and organisations making a difference in our region.
People & Skills
We champion the initiatives that create not only a more diverse workforce, but a more productive economy for our region and ultimately, our country.
Place
We focus on doing good work that will make the region a place where businesses from a variety of sectors can flourish.