The numbers of leading businesses, universities and organisations backing the Northern Powerhouse has soared, with 8 new partners signed up in the last month alone.

Santander, Ernst & Young and Eversheds LLP are among the latest wave of organisations to have pledged their commitment to create jobs, attract investment and support innovation in the north.

It means almost 90 leading organisations have now pledged to be Northern Powerhouse Partners – a key part of the government’s ambitious plan to turbocharge the north’s economy.

Northern Powerhouse Minister Andrew Percy and Commercial Secretary Baroness Neville-Rolfe today brought the 88 new and existing Northern Powerhouse Partners together in Manchester, to discuss opportunities and ideas to champion the region.

It comes after Northern Powerhouse Partner Vodafone announced it plans to create around 800 jobs in Manchester and 600 new jobs in Newcastle over the next 2 years.

Businesses backing the Northern Powerhouse

Building a Northern Powerhouse is a key part of this government’s plan for Britain, to create a strong economy that works for everyone.

That includes £3.4 billion in Local Growth Deals to boost economic growth across the region, and a dedicated Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund offering £400 million to support small businesses to reach their full potential.

On top of this, devolution deals are also putting power in the hands of local people. On 4 May, residents across Greater Manchester will also have the chance to vote for a new Combined Authority Mayor. The new Mayor will have control of almost £1 billion new funding over 30 years to grow the local economy.

The 8 new Northern Powerhouse Partners will join existing champions including Barclays, Siemens and Vodafone in Manchester to discuss how the Northern Powerhouse strategy can help even further.

Part of this will include using the new Northern Powerhouse Partners Network. This network helps encourage businesses to focus on their key strengths and areas for development across the north – from connectivity and culture to skills and science.

The 8 new Northern Powerhouse Partners are:

• Eversheds LLP
• Colliers International
• Santander
• Hyper Island
• Newcastle Gateshead Initiative
• Hull City of Culture
• Northern Powerhouse Partnership
• Ernst & Young

These companies join the list of existing partners including Manchester Airport Group, Peel Ports, Barclays, Vodafone, the Peel Group, Atkins Global, North Wales Business Council, Northern Power Women and PD Ports bringing the total number of partners up to 88.

Northern Powerhouse Minister Andrew Percy said:

“From Siemens to Vodafone, the investment being made by major businesses is further proof that the Northern Powerhouse economy is firing on all cylinders.

We’re determined to support this region so that it reaches its full potential.

Now we’ve got the backing of almost 90 different organisations, which is absolutely vital to securing the economic future of the north for years to come.”