Press Releases
Press releases issued by the NWDA and its partner organisations
in the current year are listed below. Older press releases can be
found by visiting the archive.
If you have any queries about any of our press releases, please
visit our Press Centre.
March
The Big Bang explodes in Manchester
10 March 2010
The Big Bang, the UK’s national fair celebrating young people’s achievements in science and engineering, starts today in Manchester.
New Visitor Centre arrives at Cheshire Oaks
10 March 2010
An innovative new visitor information centre has been unveiled at Cheshire Oaks. The centre offers a showcase for Cheshire’s visitor economy for more than seven million visitors who flock to the outlet village each year.
Group Mentoring available to small northwest businesses
10 March 2010
From today small businesses across the Northwest can benefit from free group mentoring to help improve their business performance, as the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) launches the second phase of its Business Mentoring programme.
Hadrian's Wall to be illuminated
09 March 2010
Hadrian’s Wall will take centre stage later this week when it is illuminated by a line of lights stretching from coast to coast, with the help of more than a thousand volunteers.
STEPS TO A SMALLER CARBON FOOTPRINT
05 March 2010
With the introductory phase of the Carbon Reduction Commitment Energy Efficiency Scheme due to begin in April, large businesses with high CO2 emissions are already setting about reducing their carbon footprint. By becoming more energy efficient, they can reduce the amount of CO2 emission allowances they need to purchase and increase the likelihood that they will be repaid more than they pay out. Smaller businesses that will not be affected by the mandatory scheme can also reap rewards by going green.
Liverpool Cathedral late night opening
05 March 2010
Liverpool Cathedral’s tower is to re-open for late night viewings, once again giving visitors the chance to experience breathtaking views of the city.
People's History Museum re-opens
05 March 2010
Friday 5 March sees the official opening of the People’s History Museum in Manchester with the Rt Hon Andy Burnham MP.
Manufacturing Week
01 March 2010
The NWDA and partners including the EEF, the manufacturers’ organisation, are celebrating manufacturing, as the EEF brings a major conference to the region for Manufacturing Week
Sustainable manufacturing – reduces costs and saves resources
01 March 2010
Many people think that sustainable manufacturing is just simply all about protecting the environment. However, thanks to the Manufacturing Advisory Service and its partners the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) and ENWORKS, manufacturers in the North West are beginning to realise the many business benefits of becoming more resource efficient overall.
February
Regional business speaks up
24 February 2010
As part of Tuesday’s event in Westminster, Lunar Caravans, a Lancashire-based company, supported the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) describing how access to finance has ensured business continued amidst the economic downturn.
New promenade for The Quays
23 February 2010
A new public promenade will complete the pedestrian route around Salford and Trafford Quays following investment from the NWDA.
New Northwest Strategy out for debate in Greater Manchester
23 February 2010
Businesses and organisations from across the public, private and third sectors in Greater Manchester have the opportunity to debate and contribute to the development of the new Northwest Strategy (RS2010) today (23rd February), as part of a region wide consultation programme.
NW businesses shortlisted for tourism 'Oscars'
23 February 2010
Seven businesses from England’s Northwest have been shortlisted for some of the tourism industry’s highest accolades in the annual Enjoy England Awards for Excellence. Organised annually by Visit England, the awards recognise the best of the country’s tourism businesses and professionals.
Duddon Estuary Tidal Energy Study underway
22 February 2010
A study is underway to explore options for tidal energy generation across the Duddon Estuary in South Cumbria. Tidal barrages, fences, reefs and other innovative technologies will all be considered along with the potential for a road link between Barrow-in-Furness and Millom at the southern tip of Britain’s Energy Coast™.
Engineering firm is flying high
19 February 2010
A £75,000 Grant for Business Investment (GBI) has been awarded to a Burnley engineering company by the NWDA.
Lakes Alive 2010 programme announced
18 February 2010
One of Britain’s biggest and most innovative seasons of outdoor arts events will take place across Cumbria again this spring and summer, set against the county’s beautiful and varied landscape and heritage.
EEF launches ‘Manufacturing Week’
16 February 2010
EEF, the manufacturers' organisation has today launched a week long campaign to promote manufacturing in the North West.
Northern Hub report welcomed
16 February 2010
Manchester City Council and the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) have welcomed the publication of Network Rail’s Northern Hub report, which sets out options to tackle rail congestion in the city region's rail network and outlines the changes needed to improve rail services across the North of England for business and leisure travellers.
TV first for Cumbria Tourism
16 February 2010
Cumbria Tourism will shortly be embarking upon a new television advertising campaign for the first time in its history.
England’s Northwest prepares for smarter, carbon-free future
12 February 2010
Robert Hough, Chair of the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA), today opened the third annual Climate Change Conference in Manchester, highlighting the region’s key strengths and opportunities for business as part of a low-carbon economy.
Lakes Alive 2009 evaluation
11 February 2010
The Lakes Alive street arts events in Cumbria have been a big hit with local people and visitors as well as generating £3 million of extra spending in the county, according to an independent report published this week.
TMP Director of Visitor Economy
11 February 2010
Liverpool City Region’s official tourist board, TMP, has appointed a new director to oversee development of the area’s £1.3bn a year Visitor Economy.
NWDA adds nutrients for growth with GBI grant
10 February 2010
The Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) has awarded a £126,750 Grant for Business Investment (GBI) to CNP Professional – a Denton based sales, marketing and distribution company for sports nutritional products.
New Northwest Strategy out for debate in Lancashire
09 February 2010
Businesses and organisations from across the public, private and third sectors in Lancashire have the opportunity to debate and contribute to the development of the new Northwest Strategy (RS2010) today (9th February), as part of a region wide consultation programme.
£3.9m for Brand New Brighton
08 February 2010
Plans for the redevelopment of New Brighton have been boosted by a £3.9 million investment from the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA).
Final call for Return to Work scheme
08 February 2010
The successful Return to Work scheme has funding to the end of June 2010 and the team at CREA is keen to contact potential clients to make the most of the support that is available.
Gosselin make Lancashire town first UK base
08 February 2010
The Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) has awarded a £290,000 Grant for Business Investment (GBI) to a major European manufacturer to establish a UK base in Blackburn, creating 37 new jobs.
Liverpool pioneers regional community renewable energy fund
08 February 2010
Liverpool City Council (LCC) in partnership with Foundation, a climate fund for the North West, has today (Monday, February 8th) become the first local authority in England’s North West to launch a community renewable power initiative that will deliver measurable carbon savings.
New East Manchester appoints new Chairman
08 February 2010
Simon Bate, Director at Ask Developments, has been appointed chairman of urban regeneration company, New East Manchester (NEM) replacing Robert Hough who held the position for seven years.
New Northwest Strategy out for debate in Cumbria
08 February 2010
Businesses and organisations from across the public, private and third sectors in Cumbria will have the opportunity to debate and contribute to the development of the new Northwest Strategy (RS2010) today (8th February), as part of a region wide consultation programme.
1,500 NW Teens challenge Politicians at Manchester Event
04 February 2010
Today, over 1,500 young people (14-19 years old) from across the North West will meet at Manchester Opera House to challenge high profile politicians and opinion-formers on Politics, Economics and Citizenship. The interactive event, the first of its kind outside London, is hosted by Jane Hill (BBC Newsreader) and at the event, Dawn Butler MP (Minister for Young Citizens and Youth Engagement), will launch the Government Agenda for Youth Engagement.
New Northwest Strategy out for debate in Merseyside
02 February 2010
Businesses and organisations from across the public, private and third sectors in Merseyside have the opportunity to debate and contribute to the development of the new Northwest Strategy (RS2010) today (2nd February), as part of a region wide consultation programme.
Wind energy boost for north of England to the tune of £3 million
02 February 2010
The Northern Wind Innovation Programme (NWIP) has announced the names of companies participating in newly formed consortia set to benefit from a share of £3 million, specifically aimed at stimulating innovation and technological developments for the offshore wind industry in the North of England.
New PageOver 50 per cent of Teens want a political voice
02 February 2010
With a General Election due within the next four months, only one-fifth (19 per cent) of teenagers in a new survey of over 5,500 young people felt they had any way to influence political decision-making. But if there was a General Election now and they were able to vote, over half (54 per cent) of young people say they would vote.
Hoylake to host 2012 Women's Open
01 February 2010
Royal Liverpool Golf Club at Hoylake in Wirral is today announced as the host venue for the 2012 Ricoh Women’s British Open, the first time that the Club has hosted this prestigious Championship.
New Northwest Strategy out for debate in Cheshire and Warrington
01 February 2010
Businesses and organisations from across the public, private and third sectors in Cheshire and Warrington will have the opportunity to debate and inform the development of the new Northwest Strategy today (1st February), as the first of five sub-regional consultation events gets underway.
NWDA support for RFD Beaufort
01 February 2010
A £103,462 Grant for Business Investment (GBI) awarded by the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) will create 15 jobs at RFD Beaufort Ltd in Birkenhead, securing the long term future of the company.
January
CableSense secures £213K from NWDA
27 January 2010
Lancaster based hi-tech start-up CableSense, has announced that it has been awarded a £213K Grant for Research and Development by the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA).
Flood Recovery Grant offers top £570,000
27 January 2010
With a flurry of applications received last week, the amount of offers made under the NWDA's Flood Recovery Grant Scheme now stands at £572,206.
Garstang TIC opened
22 January 2010
The doors of Garstang's new and improved Tourist Information Centre will be flung open on 27 January.
Procurement process commences for long term VCLF for the Northwest
21 January 2010
The Northwest Regional Development Agency on behalf of a new holding company Northwest Business Finance Ltd has today released the bidding documents to open up the competitive tender process for companies wishing to be part of one of the largest public sector Venture Capital and Loan Funds in Europe.
Success Through People
20 January 2010
The Northwest’s five regional Tourist Boards have come together to invite service industry professionals to a conference in St.Helens aimed at developing tourism skills and business opportunities.
Northwest businesses continue to strike London 2012 gold
18 January 2010
As CompeteFor, the London 2012 online 'business dating' website, reaches its second birthday, figures show that 114 Northwest companies have been successful in winning 165 London 2012-related business contracts.
Partners for England tourism forum
13 January 2010
The NWDA, along with VisitEngland, the national tourist board, and regional tourism partners from across England will attend the Partners for England Forum in Manchester tomorrow, to finalise England’s groundbreaking new tourism strategy, setting the stage for a new era for tourism in England.
NWDA Grant puts safety first for Advanced Engineering
12 January 2010
The Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) has agreed to a £140,000 Grant for Business Investment (GBI) to be awarded to TRaC EMC & Safety Ltd, safeguarding 6 existing jobs and creating 8 new roles.
Help for social enterprises
12 January 2010
A unique loan fund to help more social enterprises in the region with £500,000 from the NWDA and ERDF.
New figures reveal Liverpool 08 success
11 January 2010
Latest economic impact figures tracking the success of Liverpool’s year as European Capital of Culture 2008 reveal the City Region’s visitor economy is on target to be a £2bn a year sector by 2020.
Plasma Clean technology is pure genius
11 January 2010
Plasma Clean Limited, a hi-tech spin-out from the University of Manchester has been awarded a £112,829 Grant for Research and Development from the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA)
Northwest economy poised for growth
08 January 2010
According to the predictions of the latest short-term forecast 2009-2012, produced by the Northwest Economic Forecasting Panel (REFP), the Northwest is poised for growth after a recession that was as deep as the panel expected.
Cumbria’s huge renewable energy potential revealed
07 January 2010
Cumbria is poised to make a substantial contribution towards Britain’s renewable energy targets and create thousands of new skilled jobs in the process, a unique new study commissioned by Cumbria Vision has revealed.
Consultation begins on new strategy for the Northwest
05 January 2010
The Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) and 4NW, the Regional Leaders Board, have this week begun a region-wide consultation programme to inform the development of the Northwest’s new integrated Regional Strategy (RS2010).