Power in the North West: why the UK’s most valuable region is shaping the future of packaging

The North West of England is not just a manufacturing hub. It is one of the most economically powerful regions in the UK, home to global brands, high growth businesses and a supply chain that underpins entire industries from food to retail and logistics.

With over 333,000 active businesses generating more than £804 billion in annual sales, the region represents a significant share of the UK economy. It employs over 4 million people and contributes more than £260 billion in economic output, making it one of the most influential business ecosystems in the country.

For the packaging industry, this concentration of activity creates a unique opportunity. Packaging is not operating in isolation here. It is embedded within one of the UK’s most productive and diverse industrial regions.

A region defined by global brands and scale

The North West is home to some of the UK’s most valuable and recognisable companies. Unilever one of the world’s largest consumer goods businesses, generates over £50 billion in turnover and operates significant functions within the region.

Retail and distribution giants such as Co-op, headquartered in Manchester, alongside major employers like Kellogg Company which operates manufacturing facilities in Trafford, highlight the region’s strength in FMCG and food production.

In parallel, high growth businesses continue to emerge. Companies such as EG Group, with turnover exceeding £18 billion, and JD Sports Fashion with over £11 billion in revenue, demonstrate the scale and pace of growth within the region.

This combination of global corporates and fast growing enterprises creates sustained demand for packaging across multiple sectors.

Manufacturing strength driving packaging demand

Manufacturing remains at the core of the North West economy. The region leads the UK in manufacturing output, generating £29.5 billion annually, and continues to see strong growth across sectors including food, chemicals and advanced engineering.

The diversity of manufacturing in the region is striking. From food producers and contract packers to aerospace and chemicals, the North West supports a complex industrial ecosystem. In Lancashire alone, major manufacturers such as BAE Systems employ thousands of people and operate highly advanced production facilities, reinforcing the region’s reputation as a centre of engineering excellence.

This level of industrial activity requires equally advanced packaging solutions. From primary food packaging to transit packaging and automation systems, the demand for innovation is constant.

A growing ecosystem of innovation and high growth companies

The North West is not just established industry. It is also one of the UK’s fastest growing business regions.

Recent rankings highlight companies achieving exceptional growth, with some manufacturers recording turnover increases of over 170%, demonstrating the pace of expansion and innovation taking place across the region.

Across sectors, 18% of businesses are experiencing growth rates above 30%, while a significant proportion of companies are scaling rapidly in response to demand.

This growth creates new requirements for packaging. As businesses scale, they need more efficient, sustainable and cost effective packaging solutions to support production and distribution.

Why this matters for the packaging industry

The scale, diversity and growth of the North West economy make it one of the most important regions for packaging in the UK.

Packaging is directly tied to:

• FMCG production
• food manufacturing
• ecommerce and retail distribution
• logistics and supply chain operations

In a region where these industries are thriving, packaging becomes a critical enabler of growth.

However, despite this concentration of demand, the packaging industry has historically relied on events located outside the region. This creates a disconnect between suppliers and the businesses that need their solutions most.

Connecting opportunity at UKPackaging Expo 2026

Taking place on 10 and 11 November 2026 at the Exhibition Centre Liverpool, UKPackaging Expo is positioned at the heart of this economic powerhouse.

The event brings together packaging suppliers, manufacturers and brands operating within one of the UK’s most productive regions. It provides a space where innovation can be explored, partnerships can be formed and businesses can access the solutions they need to scale.

As the North West continues to grow, the role of packaging will only become more important. It is the link between production and consumer, between manufacturing and distribution.

And increasingly, it is being shaped in the North.

Visit https://ukpackagingexpo.co.uk to register your interest and for more info.