Northern Powerhouse export sales continue to rise

Official figures released 6 September show that the demand for goods made in the Northern Powerhouse has risen by 3.5% over the last year, and 16.1% since 2010.

The combined value of all goods in Q2 2018 was £14.9bn, £2.1bn more than the same time in 2010.

Also, the value of goods on the quarter in 2018 rose from £14.5bn in Q1 to £14.9bn in Q2.

These figures also show that exports from across the Northern Powerhouse rose by £497m from Q2 2017 to Q2 2018.

The biggest exports from the Northern Powerhouse regions were machinery and transport, chemicals and manufactured goods, which were worth a combined total of £11.2bn.

Jake Berry MP, Northern Powerhouse Minister, said: “These figures show that the Northern Powerhouse is delivering for exporters across the whole of the North of England. As we prepare for Brexit, the exporters of the North are rising to the challenge.

“These figures prove that the feeling of optimism about our growing Northern economy I witnessed this summer as part of my tour of the North is real and creating jobs, wealth and growth across the region.”

The figures from Her Majesty’s Revenue & Customs show the European Union is the biggest destination for northern exports, followed by Asia and Oceania.

Paul Harris, director of economic development, Rolls-Royce, added:“It’s positive to see that there has been a rise in trade and exports in the Northern Powerhouse. Rolls-Royce employs 25,000 people in the UK, accounts for 0.7% of UK GDP and 2% of all UK goods exports.

“Trading internationally is vital to our global business and 80% of what we manufacture in the UK is exported around the world.

“With sites in the North West, North East and Yorkshire and Humber, Rolls-Royce has a significant impact on the Northern economy employing around 2,000 people, supporting more than 25,000 jobs and spending more than £500m with supply chain businesses.  

“Recent investments of over £160m to modernise facilities in Barnoldswick, Lancashire and £130m on a state of the art discs facility in Washington, Tyne & Wear demonstrates our commitment to the North and we are also committed to working with the Government as Northern Powerhouse partners.”