North of England

The North of England’s diverse regional economy is worth over 320 billion GBP - more than Austria, Belgium, Norway and Sweden.
Scotland Northern Ireland North of England Wales Midlands South of England

Expanding your business

7 international gateway airports flying to 254 direct destinations and the only direct flight to Beijing outside of London. Greater sub-regional decision making powers mean local control of regional economic development planning and the setting of local business rates.

Investing capital

Government has designated 17 Enterprise Zones across the Northern Powerhouse, offering additional commercial tax and planning flexibilities. By investing, you’re joining international blue chip investors from Europe, the Middle East, Asia and the Americas.

Buy goods and services

12 major foreign trading ports connect Atlantic shipping in Liverpool, and the ports of Tyne, Teesside and Hull, to Europe. The north is home to over 1 million businesses. It has a particularly strong foundation in manufacturing - it’s the area that gave birth to the Industrial Revolution.

54 billion GBP

of goods exported in 2016

18%

of the UK economy

28%

of university students are from overseas

15.3 million

population

3

universities ranked in the world's top 100

21,000

foreign-owned businesses in 2015

5

of UK's 10 largest cities Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle and Sheffield

10,000+

new homes needed each year to 2035

Strategic markets: science, manufacturing, property and finance

World-leading design and a heritage of manufacturing know-how and a growing skilled population delivers global innovative products and an abundance of R&D. These are some of the reasons that the region attracts a range of sectors.

Science and manufacturing

There is a pioneering engineering base supporting major aerospace and automotive companies. As a major health and life sciences hub, the region conducts 30% of all the UK’s clinical studies.

Property

You’ll get a higher yield rate on property investment than in London. There is an established Grade A office market across the key northern cities. Residential property prices and demand are both set to rise.

Finance and business

It is one of the largest concentrations of financial and business services in Europe. The region employs 11 times more people than Frankfurt.

Speak to us

Contact our expert team in China to learn more about how DIT can support your business.