North West is a manufacturing ‘powerhouse’

THE North West is the “powerhouse” of the UK’s manufacturing sector, according to an analysis of official statistics by trade body the EEF.
 
It said the sector employs some 315,000 people in the region and accounts for 14.2% of UK manufacturing output.

Its analysis shows the North West has seen the strongest increase in its share of manufacturing output any UK region.
 
The EEF said the growth is being driven by a range of sectors, from food and drink to healthcare, chemicals and pharmaceuticals, as well as aerospace and automotive. Exports, particularly to emerging economies in the Far East and Middle East, are helping to drive demand.
 
The EEF’s North West director Darrell Matthews said: “Manufacturing has always been critical to the North West economy and the latest data only serves to underline its continued importance. At a time when we need to rebalance our economy and export our way to economic growth, policymakers across the region need to recognise its importance and do all they can to boost investment in our manufacturing base. Not only will this sustain the current levels of employment but help create the high value, high skill jobs we urgently need.”

Close