The Northern Powerhouse is further strengthening its standing with a group of national and international brands signing up as partners.

The latest companies to join the Government’s Northern Powerhouse Partners Programme are: footwear business New Balance; tech giant Hitachi; manufacturer Playdale; and data centre equipment business Techbuyer which is based in Harrogate. Bringing together organisations from across the North, the initiative supports the need for a combined effort from Government and business in order for the region to realise its full economic potential.

The announcement comes at the same time as new statistics revealing that the Northern Powerhouse is now bigger than the economies of many European nations – it has a value of over £330bn a year.

Over the last four years, exports have been steadily growing and the Northern Powerhouse now supports about 20% of the UK’s total exports, worth £60bn in 2017.

Northern Powerhouse Minister Jake Berry MP said: “Having these trailblazing exporters join the Northern Powerhouse Partners programme is a real boost to our efforts to fuel enterprise and growth in the North of England.

“As we seize the opportunities that come with leaving the European Union, it will be the manufacturers of the Northern Powerhouse that will help us deliver a strong and resilient economy fit for the future.”

Trade Minister Graham Stuart MP commented: “Exporters are the driving force behind the Northern Powerhouse’s economy and I am delighted to see four fantastic examples of industry and innovation become Northern Powerhouse Partners.

“Through trade missions tailored to northern businesses and one-to-one support from our locally based expert international trade advisers, the Department for International Trade is helping thousands of businesses across the Northern Powerhouse achieve their export ambitions.”