Wirral twins with Reno to access US trade opportunities

Authorities in the Wirral, Merseyside, have teamed up with the US city of Reno, Nevada, in an effort to boost jobs and investment.

Representatives of Wirral Council signed a Twin City Partnership agreement with Reno’s city council during a trade mission to build economic opportunities.

Wirral Chamber’s CEO, Paula Basnett, said: “Today, Reno is pioneering an economic future as one of the United States’ clean energy, technology, and entrepreneurial leaders.

“Signing this agreement signifies Wirral’s ambition to build global relationships and create opportunities for our business community.”

She added: “Reno has similar ambitions as Wirral and there is a clear determination to move forward and open discussions which will be beneficial for businesses in both Wirral and Reno.”

Cllr Phil Davies, the leader of Wirral Council, said the authority wants to grow its clean energy sector and explained that 13 geothermal companies currently operate in Reno, in addition to a number of clean energy manufacturers.

He continued: “Earlier this year Reno gained incredible international recognition when electric car company Tesla Motors announced plans for a $5bn factory in the area and was recently cited by the Kauffman Foundation as the US’s ‘most consistent standout’ for startups, with an emerging concentration of aviation, research-and-development, and high-tech industries.”

Pointing to what he considers an ‘open for business’ culture in Reno, Cllr Davies said Wirral Council had gained an insight into how its new partner city was developing growth plans in sectors the council was hoping to support, such as technology and advanced manufacturing.

The trade link follows the announcement of a new centre for manufacturing and engineering skills in Birkenhead.

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