The North West has a rich history of enterprise, and today’s business leaders are just as determined to unlock new opportunities for growth. Recent findings from the Lloyds Business Barometer reveal reasons for optimism. Despite ongoing global uncertainties, many of the long term trends we measure are encouraging, with more UK businesses expecting a stronger start to 2025 than they did to 2024, with firms looking to expand, invest, and create jobs over the year ahead.

Here in the North West, four in ten businesses believe evolving their offer with new products or services is their biggest opportunity for growth. Business-owners may have mixed views about the economy, but they have a strong determination to ensure their companies can succeed. The challenge now is to ensure that they have the right conditions to turn this optimism into action.

As the Group’s Ambassador for the North one of the most interesting and rewarding parts of my job is engaging with local business leaders to understand the opportunities for growth. From MediaCityUK at Salford Quays to cutting-edge research at the University of Manchester, the potential is clear. Ensuring that these strengths continue to translate........

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