Mayors in the North of England launch ‘The Great North’ to drive economic growth and investment

A new cross-regional partnership known as The Great North has been launched by the metropolitan mayors in the North of England, aiming to unlock economic growth, create jobs, and attract investment across the region. The initiative was unveiled at the UK Real Estate Investment & Infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF) in Leeds, and marks what its founders call a new era of collaboration and locally driven prosperity. Chaired by North East Mayor Kim McGuinness and supported by the UK Government, the body brings together northern leaders to focus on shared priorities such as clean energy, advanced manufacturing, defence, and the creative industries. The initiative has been endorsed by Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, who described it as central to the government’s ambition to shift power from Whitehall into the hands of local communities.

A key part of the initiative includes international trade missions and a Northern Investment Summit, aimed at showcasing the economic potential of the North’s 15 million residents. According to a report published to coincide with the launch, the right investment could see the North contribute an additional £118 billion to the UK economy.

Among the economic priorities outlined by The Great North are proposals for an “energy coast” along the east coast of England, building on the North’s role in generating half of England’s renewable energy. The partnership also includes plans for a “Northern Arc” of transport infrastructure connecting major cities across the Pennines, and a “northern security corridor” linking cyber and defence capabilities from Cumbria and the North East through to Lancashire.

The initiative also introduces One Creative North, a new collaboration designed to consolidate and grow the region’s creative sectors. This effort is backed by a coalition of northern mayors, broadcasters, the Arts Council, and other key industry stakeholders, and is intended to address a decade of underinvestment in the North’s cultural industries.

Mayor McGuinness said The Great North marked a departure from policies imposed by Westminster, allowing northern leaders to define their own economic strategy. “This country needs a northern story written by northern minds, not one handed to us by Whitehall,” she said.

Other northern leaders echoed this sentiment. Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham described the initiative as an opportunity to “speak with a strong, collective voice”, while West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin said it would help to reverse the trend of creative talent leaving the North. Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram added that the collaboration represented a shift towards “reshaping our future on our own terms”.

The initiative has cross-party support, with Conservative Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen emphasising the importance of the North “joining forces to bang the drum” for investment. Mayors from South Yorkshire, York and North Yorkshire, Hull and East Yorkshire, and others also voiced their backing, highlighting the potential benefits for communities across rural, urban, and coastal areas.

The new partnership takes its name and inspiration from the internationally recognised Great North Run, and its founder Sir Brendan Foster said he hoped the brand would come to symbolise excellence and ambition for the region. The collaboration builds on a commitment made by mayors during the 2024 Great North Run to promote the North on both national and international stages.

The Great North is being presented as a milestone in the devolution process, moving beyond earlier, centralised initiatives and giving mayors greater powers to shape the region’s future. The partnership aims to create a unified northern identity capable of attracting global investment, while showcasing the innovation, talent and culture of the region.