Economy

The North West's economy is largely based on the services industry, with over 70% of workers employed in this sector. There are over 270 call centres, for example, in the North West. It is also the largest single centre of aerospace manufacturing and production, and has a strong automotive industry too.

The region also claims to be home to the second biggest digital cluster in Europe.

Transport

The North West benefits from an impressive network of motorways, international airports and modern ports.

It has the highest concentration of motorways in the country. The M53, M55, M56, M57, M58, M62, M65, M66 and M67 all crisscross the region. The M6 goes from the north of the region to the south, while the M60 encircles Manchester.

Manchester International Airport is the UK's largest airport outside London, with flights to over 170 destinations worldwide, while Liverpool John Lennon Airport is Britain's fastest growing regional airport.

In terms of trains, the West Coast Main Line offers easy access to London in the South (which takes 150 minutes), and Scotland to the north.