For the 2007/08 financial year, figures just released show that the NWDA has:
* created or safeguarded 17,749 new jobs in the region, and helped 6,748 people to get a job;
* created or attracted 1,965 new businesses to the region;
* helped 20,969 businesses to improve their performance, and assisted 861 businesses to engage in new collaborations with the UK knowledge database;
* attracted £489 million of investment to regenerate deprived areas, 58% of it from the private sector;
* regenerated 291 hectares of brownfield land; and
* helped 25,805 people in their skills development, including 971 through the "Skills for Life" strategy and 1,108 supported to achieve a level 2 qualification or its equivalent.
Announcing the latest results, Minister of State at the Department of Business and Enterprise, Pat McFadden, said:
"At a time of economic uncertainty it is more important than ever that we have strong RDAs supporting business, fostering economic development and helping to create and safeguard jobs in their region.
"This report shows that NWDA is doing well and meeting its targets."
Steven Broomhead, NWDA Chief Executive, added:
"I am delighted that we have exceeded our targets once again. This not only reflects the real difference that the Agency is making, but also demonstrates how our relationships with public and private partners are helping to boost economic development in the Northwest.
"Moving forward, our challenge is to continue this success by implementing the Government's Sub-National Review and leading the development of a new, single integrated regional strategy. These figures show we are well positioned to meet this challenge and continue to help the Northwest reach its full potential."
