The North West of England is massive, in size and in influence. Since the industrial revolution the region has been at the forefront of national prosperity and international trade and has abundant resources to create wealth and improve economic performance. At its centre, Manchester, with its wide knowledge base, highly efficient international transport connections, its social and cultural assets, is set to establish itself as a world class knowledge capital along with Seattle, Boston, Atlanta, Helsinki and Barcelona. These cities share Manchester’s global reach, thirst for innovation and ability to deliver high value added.

Just forty miles from Manchester lies Liverpool – European Capital of Culture 2008 and already a World Heritage Site. But Liverpool, and the Merseyside Region, is not only about cultural achievements; it is the regions biggest port helping to deliver a £3.3bn turnover from the region’s maritime sector which provides employment for 18000 workers.

Across the region, our knowledge economy has developed a series of business clusters founded on the theory devised by Harvard business School’s Michael Porter which recognises the synergy created when complementary businesses operate side by side – each providing a catalyst for the other. These clusters have not happened by chance; they are the product of a clear economic strategy, supported by public and private investment.

With a population of almost 6.9 million, the North West Region is larger than several European countries and is home to 12% of the UK’s population. It lies at the geographical centre of the British Isles, a market of over 60 million people, and is part of a growing European Economic Area of almost 400 million people, all within 4 hours flight, or 2 days drive. The two major metropolitan areas of Manchester and Liverpool are known worldwide, and are home to international companies, the leading providers of legal and financial services, and major media organisations in broadcast and publishing.

In the growing industries of biotech and pharmaceutical life sciences, in environmental technology and medical equipment, in computer software and services, in tourism and in creative industries and e-commerce, the region's brightest companies and proud universities have led the way. Traditional industries have also evolved to maximise the opportunities of a changing world. Chemicals, textiles, aerospace, engineering, automotive and aerospace, food and drink, and energy from wave power to nuclear still provide an economic bedrock. The region has thousands of companies across all areas of commerce and trade, and a multi-skilled workforce of millions.

The eight North West based Universities make a major contribution to the region’s growth through their strong links with business and commerce, and their focus on business research and development. Thirty percent of our 40,000 graduates each year are in science and engineering disciplines.

North West of England is a great place to get to, and easy to get through - thanks to its central location and the excellent communications networks. Manchester Airport is the UK’s third largest airport with daily transatlantic services to New York JFK, Newark, Chicago, Atlanta and more – and huge range of European services provided through over 95 airlines. Liverpool Airport is one of the fastest growing regional airports serving a host of leisure and business destinations across Europe.

The North West of England sits astride the West Coast Main Line, the region's primary rail artery. From this artery run high-frequency lines linking all the region's major cities and towns, as well as a network of fast links to London and the south, the east coast, and north into Scotland.

It is in sheer quality of life that the region really excels: in fact, there are many situations where the inward investment decision has been clinched by the region's surroundings, the environment, its leisure facilities, and the welcome of its people. It is a region with a rich cultural life, with theatres, libraries and art galleries that rival the best in Europe, with a passion for sports and a creative music industry. From the rolling hills of the Pennines to the spectacular scenery of the Lake District, from the Cheshire plains to Cumbrian coast, there is something for everyone.

So, if you are looking toward Europe from across the Atlantic, there's no better place to choose for your gateway than the North West of England. With almost 7 million people ready to welcome you to the region, 60 million in easy reach across the country, and an expanding European market just over the horizon, the North West is your ideal base in the United Kingdom, and your best route into Europe.

The British American Business Council in the North West works closely with International Trade Centres in Manchester and Merseyside, and with the Chambers of Commerce in Greater Manchester and Liverpool, and with these partners offers practical advice and assistance to companies looking to develop transatlantic business, to find partners or to locate in the North West as a gateway to the UK and Europe.