Focus: Yorkshire & Humber
How businesses are finding solid opportunities in Yorkshire and Humber
One region in the UK attracting substantial
foreign interest is Yorkshire and Humber in
the North of England. With a strong and
diverse economy of over £87bn and one of
the largest concentrations of world-leading
universities in Europe, Yorkshire and Humber
is the leading choice for global organisations
looking to grow their business in the UK
(OMIS Research 2006). Investment in the
region has increased in the last 10 years,
and in particular the region has achieved
record levels of foreign direct investment
during 2007/08.
A robust infrastructure, strategic location and excellent transport links are just a few reasons for its appeal. And with some 25 million customers across Europe accessible in just two hours, it’s easy to see why over 2,000 foreign-owned companies have chosen to be based in the region.
When the world’s largest manufacturer of float and fabricated glass products, US-based Guardian Industries, started looking for a location to build their new state-of-the-art £100 million float glass facility they chose Goole, in Yorkshire and Humber. As HR Manager Karl Robson explains: “We invested in Goole in the East Riding of Yorkshire because of its fantastic infrastructure, skilled workforce and good rail links for bringing in sand and good road links for distributing glass.”
Situated on a 200-acre strategic intermodel Greenfield site, the plant runs 365 days a year producing some 700 tons of high-quality float glass daily for residential and architectural applications. The site sits alongside a major motorway, enjoys a dedicated rail link and is close to the major ports complex situated in both Goole and Hull.
Today, the company employs over 300 people in the region and recently demonstrated further commitment to the area with the launch of a new £6 million laminating line. The laminating line means the plant can now produce Guardian LamiGlass, a technologically advanced safety glass used in the construction of hotels, schools and storefronts.
The Yorkshire and Humber region is strategically placed for national and international trade and is the ideal location for any business. US companies such as DuPont, Chesapeake Corporation, Boeing, Kimberley-Clark, Georgia Pacific and Lone Star Fasteners have quickly taken advantage of the region’s exceptional attributes. The region’s academic excellence and industry expertise is also helping global companies, from Smith & Nephew to BAE Systems, to exploit new technologies and market opportunities, establishing Yorkshire and Humber as the leading European centre for innovation, in some of the world’s fastest growing industry sectors.
Investors wishing to do business in Yorkshire and Humber have access to world-leading industry sectors – from advanced engineering, cutting-edge clean energy solutions to electronics and healthcare technologies. With some of the UK’s biggest and most dynamic cities and some of the most incredibly varied and spectacular landscapes, the region offers a quality of life which is second to none. While the current economic downturn will mean challenging times for businesses across the world, the Yorkshire and Humber region is proving itself to be a sound destination for investment.
How can we help?
With commercial teams based in offices around the world, and a network of specialists throughout the region, our team of experienced professional advisers provides a single point of contact for companies looking to expand or relocate in Yorkshire and Humber. From new market opportunities to business start ups and expansions, joint ventures to R&D collaborations, we offer FREE support and assistance for every phase of your investment.
Contact the Yorkshire Forward
International Business Development
Team on +44 (0)113 39 49 5757, or
e-mail us at: info@investinyorkshire.co.uk
www.investinyorkshire.com
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