Knowsley’s distribution and logistics cluster includes businesses specialising in road haulage, storage, distribution, warehousing and wholesaling. The central location of Knowsley within the North West region and ready access to the M62 and M57 has led to significant growth in employment in recent years. The concentration of distribution and logistics businesses in Knowsley has played a significant part in this.

There are important regional and sub- regional linkages for distribution and logistics businesses:

• The nearby Port of Liverpool is the major UK port for trade with North America and has more links with Canada than any other port in Europe. It handles over 30 million tons per year, more than at any time in its history.

• Liverpool Freeport is the largest, most successful and fastest growing Freeport facility in the UK. £20 million is being invested in warehousing and infrastructure to provide a fully intermodal Freeport Terminal.

• Manchester Airport is only 45 minutes away, with direct flights to various international destinations, whilst Liverpool Airport possesses a growing freight handing facility.

Nearby St Helens and Warrington share many of the same geographic advantages. City Growth St Helens, a business-led economic development strategy, is convening a group of distribution and logistics businesses, including those in Knowsley and Warrington, to address the issues and barriers that face the sector. This group aims to create and drive forward an action plan which will enhance the economic growth and competitiveness of all businesses operating in the sector.

For further information please contact Nora Brinkley on telephone: 0151 477 4000.