North West Business 2025: De Niro, AI and Investment
Robert De Niro in Manchester, a £400m water park plan, and a factory making 4.5 million toilet rolls daily. Explore the standout business stories from North West England in 2025.
Category : Economic Growth
Mayor Aims to Spread Digbeth's Success Across West Midlands
West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker reveals investor interest in Black Country film studios, aiming to leverage Birmingham's Digbeth transformation for wider regional growth. Read the full story.
UK GDP growth slows to 0.1% in Q3
The UK economy slowed sharply between July and September, with GDP growth of just 0.1%. A slump in car manufacturing and falling household savings highlight the pressures. Read the full analysis.
UK economy stagnates as recession spectre looms
New ONS data reveals UK economic growth slowed to just 0.1% in Q3 2025, posing a major challenge for Chancellor Rachel Reeves. Experts warn of a looming recession.
UK GDP growth confirmed at 0.1% in third quarter
The UK economy grew by just 0.1% between July and September, official data confirms, with manufacturing hit by a major cyberattack. Discover the latest ONS figures and what they mean for the UK's economic outlook.
UK inflation drops to 3.2% in November
UK inflation fell to 3.2% in November, the lowest since March, driven by falling food and tobacco prices. Chancellor Rachel Reeves welcomes the news as a relief for households.
Northern Investment Summit Targets £100bn Economic Boost
Northern mayors announce the Great North Investment Summit in Leeds for May 2026, aiming to attract global investors and add over £100bn to the UK economy. A landmark event for the region's future.
Significant Progress at Cornwall's South Crofty Tin Mine
Cornish Metals reports major advances in reviving the historic South Crofty tin mine, with key infrastructure work on track. Production is targeted for 2028, promising a £70m annual boost.
UK R&D spending rebounds, but Wales share under 2%
New ONS figures show UK business R&D expenditure rose to £55.6bn in 2024. However, Wales contributed less than 2% of the total. Discover the regional breakdown and expert analysis.
Construction starts on £50m Grimsby redevelopment
Construction work is now underway on the £50m Freshney Place redevelopment in Grimsby, set to deliver a cinema, leisure facilities and food hall by 2027.
Jen Heal Named New CEO of Design Commission for Wales
Chartered town planner Jen Heal promoted to lead Wales' design advisory body. She will champion design excellence to boost economic growth and community wellbeing across Wales from January.
Plaid Cymru plans new Welsh development agency
Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth unveils plans for a new national development agency to boost the Welsh economy, potentially reviving the WDA brand. Learn more about this key election pledge.
Nigeria welcomes St Kitts and Nevis delegation
A senior delegation from St Kitts and Nevis has visited Nigeria following a historic visa-free travel agreement, signalling a new era of Afri-Caribbean cooperation. Discover the opportunities.
North West firms react to Rachel Reeves' Budget
North West business leaders give mixed reactions to Chancellor Rachel Reeves' Budget, with many warning of a lack of growth strategy and concerns over regional investment. Read the full analysis.
Welsh business gives mixed verdict on Budget
Welsh business leaders react to the Chancellor's Budget, welcoming investments in AI and nuclear energy but warning that tax rises risk stifling growth. Discover the full analysis.
West of England business leaders criticise Budget
West of England business leaders warn Rachel Reeves' Budget will dampen investment and job creation. Read the full reaction from the region's key industries.
Liverpool business reaction to Rachel Reeves Budget
Liverpool Chamber of Commerce members express relief at 'no surprises' Budget but call for a clearer government vision for long-term economic growth. Read the full analysis.
Budget Boost for Cardiff Parkway Station & Jobs
Chancellor Rachel Reeves commits to funding the Cardiff Parkway station and business park, a project with the potential to create thousands of jobs and attract major investment from Rolls-Royce.
Mixed North East business reaction to Winter Budget
North East business leaders deliver a mixed verdict on Chancellor Rachel Reeves's Winter Budget, with concerns over tax freezes but optimism for regional investment.
Steve Coogan launches Middleton regeneration scheme
Actor Steve Coogan launches Middleton's co-operative regeneration plan featuring new homes, Metrolink extension and community-led development. Have your say in the town's future.
Cornwall shortlisted for ESA hypersonic flight programme
Spaceport Cornwall could host the European Space Agency's INVICTUS programme, accelerating Europe's journey towards aircraft-like space access and creating hundreds of high-skilled UK jobs.
Business Secretary Apologises for Budget Speculation
UK Business Secretary Peter Kyle has apologised for Budget rumours and announced plans to cut electricity costs by 25% for 7,000 British companies ahead of CBI conference.
Red Tape Slowing UK Nuclear Projects, Taskforce Says
An independent taskforce urges a nuclear regulatory overhaul to cut consumer bills and save billions. Reforms could speed up new power plants like Sizewell C and Wylfa.
Carrington's £300m green hub to create 700 jobs
A new £300m green energy hub in Carrington will create over 700 jobs and store wind power for the national grid, welcomed by Mayor Andy Burnham. Discover how this boosts the UK's net-zero ambitions.
Burnham's £1bn fund to boost every GM borough
Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham unveils a pioneering £1bn investment fund using city centre profits to finance over 30 projects across all boroughs, tackling regional inequality.
West Country flood defence to boost economy by £1.4bn
A major new £120m flood defence scheme in the West Country is predicted to boost the regional economy by £1.4bn and create thousands of new jobs. Discover how this infrastructure protects communities.
Final Phase of Sunderland Factory Regeneration Begins
The final phase of the £10m regeneration of Sunderland's former Dewhirst factory is underway, with Greggs and Starbucks drive-thrus coming. Discover how this brownfield site is becoming a new city gateway.
Wylfa nuclear plant and AI zone to create 6,500 jobs
Prime Minister Keir Starmer announces UK's first small modular reactor at Wylfa and AI growth zone in Wales, creating over 6,500 jobs for decades to come.
Atom Valley scheme launches with 20,000 jobs pledge
Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham launches the Atom Valley scheme in Rochdale, set to create 20,000 jobs. Discover how this major regeneration project aims to transform the region's economy.
Centrica Plans Hydrogen Plant for Lincolnshire
Centrica Energy Storage has submitted plans for a new 10MW hydrogen production facility in North Lincolnshire, boosting the region's green energy sector. Discover the details.
Page 2 of 3