SAICA, a Spanish paper and packaging group, is investing £290 million into a recycling paper mill in Trafford, which will create up to 200 jobs.

A unique loan fund has been set up to help even more social enterprises in the region, thanks to a recently awarded grant of £500,000 from the NWDA and the European Regional Development Fund. The Social Enterprise Loan Fund is a Community Development Finance Institution and a registered charity aiming to support social enterprises engaged in social regeneration projects with the provision of loan finance.

        

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 £2 billion a year sector by 2020. Official data compiled under the tourism industry’s STEAM model show visitor spend during the city’s year in the international spotlight rose from £1.4 billion to £1.6 billion.   

A £1.1 million fund, managed by the NWDA, is being used to help rural businesses and farmers.

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.

Plasma Clean Limited, a hi-tech spin-out from the University of Manchester has been awarded a Grant for Research and Development from the NWDA. Based in the Stockport Business Incubator, Plasma Clean specialises in odour control and air purification solutions utilizing non-thermal plasma technology.

For further stories from the NWDA and partners across the Northwest visit the NWDA website.

The region’s aerospace sector is set to benefit from a new centre for virtual engineering at Daresbury Laboratory, following the confirmation of a £5.3 million investment.

These events will focus on the Regional Strategy for the Northwest (RS2010), which provides a unique opportunity to bring together spatial, economic, social and environmental strategies and build a new long-term vision for the region.

• Cheshire - 1 February, Chester (closed to new registrations)
• Merseyside - 2 February, Liverpool (closed to new registrations)
• Cumbria - 8 February, Penrith (open to new registrations)
• Lancashire - 9 February, Preston (open to new registrations)
• Manchester - 23 February, Manchester (open to new registrations)

12 February, Midland Hotel, Manchester
This event will launch the Northwest’s revised Climate Change Action Plan for 2010–2012, and will refocus the commitment of partners towards achieving the Action Plan’s goal of a well-adapting and low carbon Northwest. The revised Climate Change Action Plan will build upon the progress made to date and strengthen our collective response to a changing climate, highlighting the key areas of opportunity and focus.

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© Northwest Regional Development Agency 2010
Renaissance House // Centre Park // Warrington // WA1 1QN
Phone: 01925 400100

Northwest economy poised for growth   

According to the predictions of the latest short-term forecast, 2009–2012, the Northwest is poised for growth after a recession that was as deep as expected. The report is cautious about the rate of recovery, but highlights a number of areas where indications are positive for modest growth over the next three years.

Edge Lane retail plans unveiled   

A planning application is due to be lodged by autumn if Derwent Holdings, owner of Edge Lane Retail Park, and Liverpool City Council can finalise plans for Edge Lane’s ‘new look’ retail park. Derwent says that at least 95% of the scheme has been worked out, which aims to progress the transformation of Edge Lane.

Cumbria’s huge renewable energy potential revealed   

Cumbria is poised to meet a third of its total energy needs from renewable sources by 2020, and double that by 2050.