North West Science and Technology has led to many cutting-edge scientific breakthroughs, including Britain’s first airplane, the birth of the first test-tube baby, the splitting of the atom, and the world’s first computer. Science and technology continue to develop rapidly in this region, and many global brands, ranging from medical research to military aircraft, have major research and design facilities in the Northwest. More than 25% of the region’s £106 billion economy comes from science and technology companies.
1. North West universities play a key role in science and technology and have a combined turnover of over £1.2bn, almost 1% of the region’s total economy. Leading companies, including those in the aerospace business, auto manufacturing and supply companies, nuclear power, and medical research are closely linked to Northwestern universities. More than 50,000 North West students graduate each year, including 25,000 with life science degrees. Each year more than 69,000 science students are trained.
2. The aerospace business in the North West has a £6 billion turnover and is responsible for producing military and commercial aircraft and components that are used both in the UK and exported around the world. Extensive R&D programs ensure the latest technologies are available to create the world’s most advanced aircraft. Countries around the world trust North West Aerospace Business for their military and commercial aircraft needs.
3. The chemical industry plays a vital role in the North West, with chemical sales contributing over £10bn to the economy, which is equivalent to around 20% of the UK chemical industry. Approximately 220,000 people are employed in this sector. In 2005, the Department of Trade and Industry announced that, as part of the Technology Program, one of 19 new Knowledge Transfer Networks (KTNs) would be in Chemistry in the Northwest. KTNs help share knowledge and research between companies, academic institutions like universities, and trade associations.
4. The North West, and Cumbria in particular, are widely recognized as the center of the UK’s nuclear power industry and home to the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority. Research and development work carried out in this region has led the Government to conclude that the use of nuclear energy is part of a viable solution to meet the UK’s energy needs.
5. There are more than 50 research institutes, many of them multi-institutional, as well as traditional R&D departments. The Northwest is home to the Research and Development departments of several of the world’s leading companies, and business investment in R&D in this region is higher than in any other part of the world except Asia. Recent reports show that 4 of the top 10 companies by R&D spending have major facilities in the Northwest. Pharmaceutical development, including the UK’s largest cancer drug research centre, aerospace companies, consumer product manufacturers, as well as the chemical industry and nuclear power, are well represented in the North West.
6. The Northwest’s seven science parks are home to many knowledge-based companies in various industries ranging from education to nuclear power to decommissioning. Strong links with universities, as well as research institutes and knowledge centres, in the UK and abroad, help to ensure that science and technology in the North West is second to none.
7. Dedicated strategic science and technology sites have been established across the North West, with Manchester aiming to become one of the UK’s top six science cities by 2015.
Manchester Science Park is internationally recognized as a center of excellence and is one of the most successful of its kind. Tenants include specialists in healthcare, telecommunications and digital media.
The Daresbury Science and Innovation Campus, near Warrington in Cheshire, is home to leading companies in various industries ranging from healthcare research to business support services. The nearby Daresbury Laboratory is one of the best-resourced scientific facilities in the UK.
Liverpool Science Park, right in the center of Liverpool, is the fastest growing science park in the UK and contains computer games, website design and software companies, as well as lawyers specializing in intellectual property and technology law. Speke, also in Liverpool, is home to the National Center for Biomanufacturing, which will become Europe’s leading biopharmaceutical design center and help create and develop new medicines.
The West Cumbria Science Park near Whitehaven has over 60 companies on the site, ranging from ecology to engineering, many of which are involved in the nuclear power industry.
A science park in Lancaster is scheduled to be developed this year and will be located near the top-ten ranked university. This exciting new project will combine the University’s renowned academic knowledge and resources with knowledge from local businesses and the Lancaster Environment Centre.
8. With Manchester recently voted the UK’s most creative city and Liverpool’s reputation as one of the leading cities for computer game design, the North West is at the forefront of new technologies as well as science and technology. traditional technology. The use of ICT in education, website design and Internet technologies, film and television production, as well as other media industries, is flourishing in the region thanks to science and technology.
9. As well as looking to the future, the region’s scientific history is preserved through museums such as the World Museum in Liverpool, the Quarry Bank Mill in Styal, Cheshire and Wigan Pier. Visual displays as well as hands-on activities, demonstrations, and different media show how science and technology have changed our lives, from mechanizing everyday tasks to revolutionizing manufacturing methods.
10. In addition to excellent science and technology facilities, the Northwest is a popular business location thanks to its fantastic infrastructure. Within reach of 3 international airports and a major highway system, the Northwest is closer than you think. In addition, the Northwest has many Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the standard of living is high.
There has never been a better time to see how North West Science and Technology can help you.