9:12 pm - February 18, 2026
Northern mayors have united under the Great North initiative to attract investment to the region, with a new report highlighting how the partnership could transform the North’s economy. According to a briefing paper from IPPR North thinktank, the collaboration offers a unique opportunity to draw in much-needed public and private funding by creating a clearer pipeline of investment projects.
The Great North initiative was launched by North East Mayor Kim McGuinness and has secured backing from most other Northern leaders. A board meeting took place at Everton FC’s Hill Dickinson Stadium in Liverpool on December 4, bringing together regional mayors including Steve Rotheram, Oliver Coppard, and David Skaith, alongside Sir Brendan Foster, founder of the Great North Run that inspired the partnership.
Addressing the Northern Investment Gap
The IPPR report indicates that a pan-Northern investment prospectus could help solve a critical problem facing regional development. According to the thinktank, the Sterling 20 group, which includes some of the country’s largest private providers and insurers, has identified that “a shortage of money was not the issue but a pipeline of projects to invest in.”
The Great North partnership aims to provide that pipeline by allowing previously competing areas to collaborate on major schemes. This approach could enable regions to share both risk and reward on significant infrastructure and development projects, making them more attractive to private investors and public finance institutions.
Key Recommendations for Regional Growth
IPPR North has called for the establishment of a Northern investment board to coordinate efforts across the region. Additionally, the report recommends developing investible propositions in key sectors including clean energy, transport, digital technologies, and advanced manufacturing.
The briefing paper acknowledges recent positive developments such as the AI growth zone in the North East and net zero projects on Teesside. However, it states that “regional catch-up in the UK is taking too long and sustained public and private underinvestment is still holding the North back.”
Great North Partnership Seeks Government Support
Zoë Billingham, director of IPPR North, emphasized the importance of collaborative approaches to regional development. She said the deepening powers granted to mayors and strategic authorities creates opportunities for stronger cooperation across the region.
Meanwhile, Billingham highlighted the crucial role of public finance institutions, particularly the National Wealth Fund, which is designed to drive regional prosperity. The partnership must work alongside these institutions to maximize investment opportunities, according to the thinktank.
Economic Potential and Investment Summit
Ms McGuinness stated that the Great North initiative aims to unlock “a new generation of prosperity, jobs and opportunity” for Northern communities. She welcomed IPPR North’s recommendations and confirmed plans to showcase investment opportunities at the Great North Investment Summit.
In contrast to current funding levels, the North East Mayor claims the region has the potential to add £30 billion to the UK economy. However, she emphasized that government support is essential to match the Great North’s ambition and unlock this massive potential.
The Northern investment summit will take place in May, immediately before the UK’s Real Estate Investment and Infrastructure Forum in Leeds. Organizers hope the event will attract global investors and secure commitments for regional projects, though specific investment targets have not been confirmed.
