More than 100,000 young people across the North West are currently out of work, as new analysis highlights a growing disconnect between education and employment across the region - despite major investment in sectors such as digital, technology and advanced manufacturing.

Construction clients, developers and project teams must prepare for renewed volatility but avoid making premature decisions in response to conflict in the Middle East, urges Turner & Townsend, the global professional services company.

Two years on from its launch, the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II (NPIF II) is continuing to build momentum across the North West, having supported more than 400 ambitious businesses and facilitated almost £275m of investment. Completed across 449 deals, the Fund is playing a vital role in boosting regional growth, while crowding in private sector co-investment.

Charities and not-for-profit organisations are being warned to ensure all their procedures and records are watertight in the light of new and enhanced compliance activity by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC). HMRC has recently initiated a programme of Structured Risk Reviews (SRRs) across the charity and not-for-profit sectors, signalling a more intensive and data-driven approach to oversight.

Following the successful launch of its compliance support service at the end of 2025, Carney Consultancy has helped 15 construction and engineering businesses secure Constructionline Gold accreditation. The achievement reflects the consultancy’s practical, hands-on guidance and rising demand for expert support as firms navigate tighter building safety and procurement standards.

The number of Lancashire businesses experiencing ‘significant’ financial distress increased by 10.4% year-on-year to 13,151 in Q1 2026 compared to the same period last year according to BTG’s latest Red Flag Alert, which has monitored the financial health of UK companies for over two decades.

Sustainability consultancy Tunley Environmental has launched its latest guide, “A Guide to Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs)”, designed to help organisations understand, develop and apply EPDs to support compliance and gain a competitive edge. Many businesses are under increasing pressure to demonstrate the impact of their products across the full lifecycle.

UK-listed companies in the North West issued four profit warnings during the first quarter of 2026, down marginally from the five issued during the same period last year, and marking the region’s lowest Q1 total since 2021, according to EY-Parthenon’s latest Profit Warnings report.

Manufacturers across Cumbria and Lancashire are being supported to take practical steps into artificial intelligence with a new toolkit designed to help SMEs turn AI from hype into real-world impact.

Half of internationally active SMEs say cross-border volatility is increasing stress levels, adding to pressure on decision-making. More than half (55%) of SME leaders say cashflow occupies their attention even when trying to focus on other responsibilities. SME leaders estimate that, with more access to working capital, they could redirect an average of five hours per week towards growth-focused activity. HSBC UK has launched TradePay to simplify access to working capital and streamline supplier payments.