18 October 2007
Transforming England’s Northwest
The Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) today (18th
October) highlighted its key successes over the past year and the
challenges ahead, at its annual conference and AGM at Manchester
Central.
The Rt Hon Beverley Hughes MP, Minister of State and Minister
for the Northwest, provided the keynote speech at the conference,
which was hosted by broadcaster Jim Hancock. It also provided an
opportunity to hear Chief Executive Steven Broomhead outline some
of the Agency’s key achievements over the last year. Chairman Bryan
Gray highlighted the key economic challenges facing the region in
the coming years and the priorities that will ensure the Northwest
achieves continued success.
The NWDA achieved excellent results in 2006/07, exceeding all
targets set by government. Working with partners, the Agency has
created or safeguarded over 20,000 jobs in the region; created or
attracted over 3,000 new businesses to the region; regenerated
almost 300 hectares of brownfield land; helped over 26,000 people
to develop new skills and attracted £373 million of private sector
investment for deprived areas.
Guest speakers at the Agency’s event today included Andrew
Simpson (Managing Director of Peel Holdings), Tom Schmidt (Plant
Director, Vauxhall Motors), Sheena Ramsey (Chief Executive,
Knowsley Council) and Andrea Nixon (Executive Director, TATE
Liverpool), who outlined how their organisations are working to
transform the economy of England’s Northwest.
Steven Broomhead, NWDA Chief Executive, said:
“Today has provided an important opportunity to showcase the
work that the Agency has been involved with over the last twelve
months, and the real difference we and our partners are making,
both on the ground across the Northwest and nationally to champion
the interests of our region.
“This year has been hugely productive, with good progress being
made to deliver the transformational actions highlighted in the
Regional Economic Strategy, including the opening of the new
University of Cumbria, the start of work on mediacity:uk, the
opening of Liverpool’s new cruise liner facility and the launch of
the Business Link Northwest service. Whilst we have achieved a
considerable amount this year, there are significant challenges
ahead. Working in partnership, the NWDA will continue to ensure
that we are focused on delivering re al transformational change for
our economy.”
Video footage and transcripts available at www.nwda.co.uk/agm
-ends-
For further information please contact:
Sarah Moston
01925 400552
07810 528520
Sarah.Moston@NWDA.co.uk
For further information and to view previous press releases visit
us at www.nwda.co.uk
The Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) is responsible
for the sustainable economic development and regeneration of
England's Northwest and has 5 key priorities: Business, Skills and
Education, People and Jobs, Infrastructure and Quality of Life
For urgent out of hours press enquiries please call 01925
400259