With a strong and diverse economy of over £82bn and one of the largest concentrations of world leading universities in Europe, Yorkshire & Humber is the leading choice for global organisations looking to grow their business in the UK (OMIS research 2006).
Excellent domestic and international transport links, combined with multi-million pound investment in high-speed next generation broadband and industry led innovation networks, has made Yorkshire and Humber one of the top four locations in the UK for foreign direct investment, attracting an average of 2 investments a week during 2007/8.
The region's academic excellence and industry expertise is helping global companies from Smith & Nephew to BAE Systems to exploit new technologies and market opportunities, putting Yorkshire & Humber firmly on the map as the leading European centre for innovation in some of the world's fastest growing industry sectors.
From healthcare technologies to advanced engineering and materials; cutting edge clean energy solutions to electronics; food processing to e-learning, over 1,900 Foreign owned companies have made Yorkshire & Humber their home.
Key facts
- Our GVA of over £82 billion ranks us alongside the top 20% of the world's national economies and represents 8% of total UK output
- Our economy is growing faster than the European average
- In 2007/8, the region attracted 124 inward investments – an average of 2 investments per week – making the region one of the leading locations in the UK for foreign investment
- We have one of the largest concentrations of universities in Europe
- Businesses here benefit from operating costs up to 20% lower than the UK average
- Four of our major cities have been identified as amongst the best locations in the UK to do business
- We’re home to 300,000 businesses including global leaders such as Smith & Nephew; Corus (Tata), NPIL Pharmaceuticals; Bharat Forge; Doncasters; BAE Systems; Corus Engineering Steel; Fluent; Johnson & Johnson; Depuy; B Braun Medical Ltd UK; Arla Foods; ConocoPhillips; and Covance
- We’re home to the UK's largest and busiest ports complex and European leaders in areas such as advanced engineering and materials and healthcare.
Contact us
To find out how Yorkshire Forward can help you succeed in one of the UK’s most cost effective and innovative regions, contact our International Business Development Team on +44 (0)113 394 5757, or email us at info@investinyorkshire.co.uk.