Northern Powerhouse to play major role in ‘driving economic growth and investment’ post-Brexit

Senior figures from business and local government are in agreement that the importance of the Northern Powerhouse remain vital in a post-Brexit Britain.

The advisory board of the UK Northern Powerhouse International Conference, led by the board’s chair Lord Bob Kerslake, recently gathered as part of its latest advisory group meeting.

The meeting was held to to confirm key topics for inclusion in February’s international conference.

Following the new government’s continued backing for the project, the panel believe the Northern Powerhouse is key to helping encourage international investment into Britain following Brexit.

The Northern Powerhouse scheme is already making an impact to the economy. In 2015-2016, the North saw inward investment projects increase by nearly a quarter from the previous year – faster than the UK average.

The Chancellor’s first Autumn Statement pledged, as part of its ‘Northern Powerhouse Strategy’, £15m to support Northern Powerhouse trade missions and £7m to establish a Northern Powerhouse Investment Taskforce, bringing together local authorities and businesses of the North to present a single internationally competitive offer to the world.

International investment will be a major focus of the two day UK Northern Powerhouse Conference, which will be held on February 21 and 22 at Manchester Central. International delegations are expected from Australia, China, India, and the US.

Lord Kerslake said: “The government has committed to continuing major investment in infrastructure, skills and innovation research to ensure the job of rebalancing the UK economy can continue. This will be key to proactively driving economic growth and investment in a post-Brexit world.

“The new ‘Northern Powerhouse Strategy’ as part of the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement is a huge step in the right direction. It outlines plans to make the most of our competitive advantages in the global marketplace and to ensure the economy is firing on all cylinders.”

According to Lord Kersake, the government believe that the Powerhouse is best driven by the private sector, but its support in relation to major infrastructure projects, inward investment and devolution is also essential.

He continued: “Ultimately the success of the Northern Powerhouse will not just be driven solely by government, but by the private sector in the north of England. At the conference in February, we are giving Northern businesses the chance to put forward their views and learn more about how they can help ensure the north achieves its full economic potential.”

Keith Griffiths, managing director of UK Northern Powerhouse Conference, said: “We have already had strong international interest in delegations wanting to attend the conference in February. This is a clear indication of the appetite global markets have not just for the UK, but also in the North of England.

“Many of those attending will be planning a strategy to maximise their businesses and promote the international trade opportunities available post-Brexit. Driving forward plans to invest in the Northern Powerhouse and build the economic strength of the North is absolutely key in helping us achieve not just these individual business goals but also the region’s aim for a stronger future.”

The advisory board for The 2017 UK Northern Powerhouse International Conference and Exhibition includes Dr. Ian Kelly, CEO, Hull & Humber Chamber of Commerce, Ajaz Ahmed, Freeserve Entrepreneur and Chair and Federation of Asian Businesses and Max Steinberg CBE, Chief Executive of economic development agency Liverpool Vision.