About the North West
The North West is a region of contrasts, covering the five sub-regions of Cheshire, Cumbria, Greater Manchester, Lancashire and Merseyside.
With a population of 6.8 million, the North West is larger than several EU countries, and has a diverse mix of people representing many ethnic groups. 80 per cent of the region is rural, but most people live in the urban areas, with 60 per cent of people living in Greater Manchester and Merseyside.
Despite a decline in traditional manufacturing and engineering industries, new industries are growing - the region has the biggest film and television production industry outside London, and Manchester airport is the largest outside the South East. There is a strong tourism industry attracting 18 million visits per year which is worth £3 billion, and an important rural economy that accounts for 40 per cent of all firms in the region.
The regional team holds regular meetings with funding advisers and key voluntary sector organisations, and work with statutory agencies like helper agencies and other funders. Part of our role is also about keeping MPs informed of awards.
BIG advice line 0845 4 10 20 30
