Calls have been made for a Northern Powerhouse Digital Task Force to be established to drive investment and wealth creation across the region.

The recommendation was one of the initiatives in the far reaching report 'Prospects for the Northern Powerhouse - Towards An Industrial Strategy' launched before an audience of senior business leaders and northern politicians.

Its findings follow the largest ever gathering of pan-Northern and cross-sector business and public sector leaders in the UK, at the Northern Powerhouse Conference and Exhibition earlier this year.

The report is based on the outcomes of the conference and on two surveys.

The Ipsos MORI survey of UK-wide senior business figures identified investment in digital infrastructure, housing and airports as key priorities to accelerate economic growth in the north.

One of its recommendations is for Northern Powerhouse Digital Task Force to prioritise macro and micro connectivity investments, including 5G, above transport infrastructure.

Other conclusions in the reportinclude:

  • The UK Government’s proposed Industrial Strategy requires clearer definition in a northern context. It must provide consistent opportunities for engagement with business to be sustained in the long-term.
  • Wealth creation must remain a central focus of the Northern Powerhouse. FTSE 500 Companies need to be incentivised to locate head offices to the region.
  • The Northern Powerhouse needs a clear objective to drive inclusive growth which all members of society can engage with and contribute to.
  • Leadership is needed to ensure the north is represented in Brexit talks, and that an appropriate proportion of funding repatriated from Brussels is invested in the region.

Lord Bob Kerslake, chairman of the advisory board for the Northern Powerhouse Conference, called for increased leadership from the private sector to drive growth across the north.