International Business
Driven by an economy that is already bigger than 15 EU
countries, the Northwest is always seeking to enhance its role in
the global economy by making the most of the opportunities created
by new or established global markets. For that to happen, we
need:
- More businesses to sell their goods and services overseas
- More quality investment coming in from overseas
- Closer research links with other innovative economies
Internationalisation is about raising the profile of established
and emerging global markets – and the opportunities and challenges
that they bring – so the region’s businesses can make the most of
international trade, as well as attracting foreign inward
investment into the region.
The Northwest is already in a strong position internationally.
Many global businesses and supply chains are controlled from the
region. We are also a major international transport hub, with 28
million people passing through our airports every year, and 30
million tonnes of international freight going through our leading
ports. Over 190,000 people have chosen to settle in the Northwest
from overseas since 2000, bringing with them a wealth of talent,
skills and experience.
The NWDA's work in this area is informed by the
Internationalisation Strategy & Action Plan for England's
Northwest, developed by The Northwest International Business
Forum.
International Trade - helping businesses exploit overseas
markets
The NWDA and UKTI work to help Northwest businesses maximise
their potential by exploiting global markets, which will create
jobs and benefit all communities in the region.
The NWDA works with the UK Trade & Investment’s (UKTI)
Northwest Regional Team through the national “Dual Key” framework.
Under the framework, UKTI’s Northwest Regional Team acts as the
NWDA’s official international trade arm. The Northwest
International Business Forum is overseeing the implementation of
the framework.
The UKTI’s Northwest Regional Team provides a complete package
of professional international trade support services to Northwest
businesses, including highlighting international business
opportunities, expert trade advice and support to companies wishing
to grow their business overseas.
All their international trade services and advice – including
sector-focused international trade advice and a Meet the Buyer
programme – is available through Business Link
Northwest
Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) - working to attract inward
investment
Of the 247,000 businesses in the Northwest, nearly 3,000 are
foreign-owned. The region couldn’t be truly successful if it didn’t
attract and encourage these international companies to invest in
the area and build bases here.
FDI into the region is a crucial economic driver, delivering
employment, higher salaries, advanced skills, new technologies and
a positive image of the region. The NW continually attracts more
FDI than any other region in the UK outside of London and the South
East. In 08/09, we secured 176 investment projects
creating/safeguarding nearly 11,500 jobs.
In partnership with UKTI, the NWDA and our Sub Regional Partners
work hard to attract foreign inward investment. The NWDA is the
Northwest delivery partner for UKTI on inward investment, which
UKTI supports by promoting the UK as a success business location to
overseas companies.
The Agency has experience of working with clients from a wide
variety of industries and countries and helping them invest in the
region. We advise on a range of business issues, from guidance on
grants and financial incentives to information on staff recruitment
and training.
We have an excellent track record, having successfully worked
with high-profile international companies such as The Bank of New
York Mellon, Hitachi, Sony, US Airways, Bank of America,
Bertelsmann, Unisys, Michelin, AstraZeneca, QVC, Siemens and
Bosch.
The NWDA also works with key investment agencies who have
detailed knowledge on specific areas of the region:
Overseas Contacts
The NWDA operates in overseas markets with representation
in: