With a focus on consolidating and growing Irish exports to the UK, an Enterprise Ireland Northern Powerhouse report highlights strong opportunities in construction, life sciences, digital technology and cleantech in the north of England, which is growing faster than any other part of the UK. The Northern Powerhouse is a UK government economic initiative to rebalance the UK’s national economy, by maximising the combined potential of the north of England’s cities and city regions, including Manchester, Liverpool, Newcastle, Sheffield and Tees Valley. If this region were a European country, it would be the 10th largest economy in Europe.

Wide range of opportunities in innovation, energy, digital and life sciences

The UK’s Northern Powerhouse is delivering a substantial programme of investment and regeneration to the north of England, with a focus on improving connectivity through improved transport infrastructure between the cities, and supporting economic activities around emerging strengths and capabilities, particularly in science, innovation, advanced manufacturing, digital, energy, life sciences and healthcare. As a result, the Northern Powerhouse initiative is creating a wide range of opportunities for businesses both within the region and externally. “The UK is Ireland’s No 1 export market, with Enterprise Ireland clients exporting €7.5 billion in goods, representing 35 per cent of total client exports in 2016," said Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, Heather Humphreys TD. "As long-standing trading partners, the UK is, and will remain, the largest export market for indigenous Irish companies. "As Brexit negotiations continue, the government and Enterprise Ireland are committed to consolidating and growing Irish exports to the UK now and into the future. Enterprise Ireland’s Northern Powerhouse Report underscores the extent of the business and partnership opportunities for Irish companies, with the north of England, an area that is growing at a significant rate and outpacing all other parts of the UK.”

'Major programme of investment, collaborations and partnerships'

UK Minister for the Northern Powerhouse Jake Berry MP said: “The Northern Powerhouse is about driving business, skills and economic growth in the north of England, positioning the region as a globally recognised economy. We are achieving this through a major programme of investment, collaborations and partnerships to drive economic growth and rebalance the UK economy. "I welcome the publication of Enterprise Ireland’s Northern Powerhouse report which sets out the extent of the business opportunities between Ireland and the Northern Powerhouse region. Irish companies have been very successfully doing business in the north of England and I welcome further collaboration that will drive the economy of the region while delivering important export opportunities to Irish companies.” Julie Sinnamon, Enterprise Ireland CEO, said: “Enterprise Ireland is actively supporting Irish companies to respond to the challenges and opportunities posed by Brexit. While we are focused on encouraging businesses to have a more diversified market strategy, the UK is Ireland’s most significant export market and in parallel, we are focused on supporting Irish companies to consolidate and grow their exports to the UK and diversify in the UK market, seeking opportunities beyond the traditional regions and sectors.

'Opportunities play to strengths of large cohort of Irish companies'

"The opportunities set out in the Northern Powerhouse report play to the strengths of a large cohort of Irish companies, particularly in the construction, life sciences, and digital sectors along with collaboration on scientific research and innovation projects. "We have increased our resources in the UK to help exporting Irish companies to navigate and seize the potential, and we will play a central role to support Irish companies to achieve their export potential and a more diversified approach to the UK.” To view the Northern Powerhouse Report, visit: https://www.enterprise-ireland.com/en/Publications/Reports-Published-Strategies/ ENDS