Working together for the North

We bring together political, business, academic and civil society leaders from across the North of England, working in partnership in those areas where collaboration can realise the biggest benefits for the North’s people, places and economy.

About the NP11

Following deeper devolution in the North of England and the continued development of the Convention of the North, we are working with northern partners to shape future partnership working arrangements in our region.

Our priorities Convention of the North

Our Priorities

Workers and a crane at the Port of Tyne
The North’s recognised strengths in global growth industries such as clean energy, life sciences, advanced manufacturing, and digital – along with the region’s outstanding quality of life and skills base – present huge trade and inward investment opportunities. By building on these strengths and developing new ways of working with the Government’s Department for Business and Trade (DBT), we can grow the North’s economy and create high-value, skilled jobs.
Trade & Investment
Offshore Windfarm, Walney
The North has the potential to lead the UK’s transition to net zero by 2050, while also creating significant economic growth. We are transforming our significant energy assets to drive clean growth for the benefit of the environment, our people and the UK economy.
Clean Growth
A66, Teesside
Digital is recognised as one of the North’s prime capabilities. It is both a growth sector in its own right and enables growth and job creation in other vital sectors for the North’s economy.
Digital
Scientist working in laboratory
The North has nationally and internationally significant science and innovation strengths that have the potential to drive up productivity, growth and competitiveness. However, these strengths, and high levels of research and development (R&D) investment by northern businesses, are not currently matched by government investment. There is also a lack of effective coordination between the North’s innovation assets. As a result the North has a persistent and longstanding innovation performance gap with the rest of the UK.
Innovation
York Minster Cathedral
The North of England is a great place to live, work, invest, study and visit. Its world-class arts, culture, heritage and nature assets are a fundamental part of this outstanding quality of life and make important contributions to economic growth and employment.
Placemaking
Hitachi Newton Aycliffe, County Durham

Publications

We have undertaken significant research and policy work to understand where partnership working across the North can have the greatest impact.

Our publications