University researchers join forces to launch North West International Business Group

Researchers from three of the North West’s universities have come together to form the North West International Business (NWIB) Group, a new organisation to support the region’s economic success on the international stage.

Alliance Manchester Business School, Manchester Metropolitan Business School and the University of Liverpool Management School will join forces and pool their expertise through the NWIB to guide the North West’s strategy and planning for international trade, inward investment and economic development.

According to the NWIB, exports in the North West raised £25bn last year, while 129 Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) projects led to the creation of 5,283 jobs and safeguarded a further 1,815.

The NWIB is sponsored by the UK and Ireland chapter of the Academy of International Business, which operates across 85 countries.

Prof. Heinz Tüselmann, who teaches international business at Manchester Metropolitan University and also serves as the chair of the Academy of International Business’ UK and Ireland Chapter, commented: “Global trade and inward investment is hugely important to the North West economy.

“By combining the international research capabilities of three of the region’s leading business schools, we can inform international business strategy and contribute to the continued success of regional companies in world markets.”

Joint research carried out by the NWIB will encourage higher value inward investment and get more SMEs exporting by underpinning the work of the region’s business support agencies and initiatives launched to drive the government’s Northern Powerhouse vision.

Prof. Tüselmann continued: “Latest figures show that the UK is the number one destination for FDI in Europe, and third globally in terms of absolute value of inward FDI stock.

“Our aim is to ensure that the North West makes an even greater economic contribution to UK plc, as well as enhancing its appeal as a destination for inward investments that contribute to skilled job creation in the region.”