Peel Ports has hosted the inaugural meeting of the Northern Powerhouse partnership at the Port of Liverpool. The initiative is creating a new network to help grow the Northern economy and aims to champion the area’s strengths and promote local developments.

Topics at the first meeting included transport and connectivity, the government’s industrial strategy, quality of life improvements and how partners can work together to support the Northern Powerhouse programme.

The event was attended by over 40 leading businesses, including Atkins, Barclays, Deloitte, Drax, Siemens and Vodafone, as well as universities, local enterprise partnerships and business organisations.

It was followed by a tour for delegates of the £400m Liverpool2 container terminal, which was opened at the start of November by Dr Liam Fox MP, Secretary of State for International Trade.

During the visit, Andrew Percy, Minister for the Northern Powerhouse met Mark Whitworth, Chief Executive of Peel Ports and Stephen Underwood, Chief Executive Officer of Peel Group.

Mark Whitworth said: “We were delighted to welcome the Minister on his first visit to the port and to explain the transformation that is taking place here. We have made a significant investment in facilities, including the Liverpool2 terminal, providing exceptional business opportunities for the city region and indeed the wider North-west. I’m very pleased that the Minister appreciates the contribution the maritime sector makes to the economy and the importance of continued public investment in road and rail infrastructure to support private sector growth.”