Quality of Life

From the inspirational rural beauty of the Lake District to the metropolitan buzz of cities like Manchester and Liverpool, the seven million inhabitants of England's Northwest benefit from one of the highest qualities of life in the UK.

Our region is not just a great business location, it also offers an enjoyable place to live, work and play. But don't just take our word for it - England's Northwest has been voted the top location for quality of life in the renowned Reward Group's cost of living survey for the last two years. Affordable housing and easy commuting were two of the main factors cited.

Talking of surveys, an innovative poll by Ipsos MORI in 2006 rated the Northwest highly on areas of outstanding beauty, culture and nightlife.

It's little wonder. With 29% of our region designated as National Park or areas of outstanding beauty, we boast the largest lakes and mountains in England. Not to mention the longest stretch of undeveloped coastline. In fact, you're never more than a few miles from stunning open countryside wherever you are.

Of course, you're never short of things to do in our thriving cities.

From chic shopping at Selfridges to dining at designer restaurants, you'll find it all here. As Liverpool looks forward to its tenure as European Capital of Culture 2008, the city's cultural profile is as prominent as the Beatles heyday. Meanwhile, Manchester boasts its own artistic riches - including the state-of-the-art Bridgewater Hall (home of Hallé Orchestra), the Lowry Centre, Salford Quays and the recent additions of the Imperial War Museum of the North and URBIS.

Sporting success is another ingredient of our region's appeal: from hosting the Commonwealth Games in 2002 and the annual Grand National steeplechase to the achievements of world-famous football clubs like Manchester United and Liverpool.

Thanks to the high quality of life in England's Northwest, most companies here enjoy healthy employee relations. And, as you know, a happy workforce is a productive workforce.