[OFFICIAL]
1.23 For all these reasons – which can be summed up as missed opportunities and untapped potential – the government is highly motivated to narrow the productivity gap between the north of England and other regions through investment and growth.
Narrowing the productivity gap
1.24 In January 2026, Rachel Reeves MP, Chancellor of the Exchequer, restated the importance of investment in the north of England:
Addressing the North’s long-standing productivity gap is a crucial part of the government’s national plan for growth. Narrowing the gap to the North’s potential can generate higher, more broad-based national growth, while the region’s existing sectoral strengths offer opportunities for business investment and employment, supporting living standards across the region 1 .
1.25 Anglo American is exemplary of what government – local and national – wants to achieve. International investment in UK industry, with an extensive network of suppliers, including UK born firms - at the cutting edge of their industries in engineering, construction, civils, energy, and advanced manufacturing and professional services. The spin out effects are enormous – from employment and training of local workforce, to supporting growth in sectors that will apply their experience and capacity to projects elsewhere in the north and UK wide. The skills acquired on site are very similar to those that will be required to deliver the projects on which UKPLC will rely – particularly nuclear and renewable energy and major infrastructure. 1.26 Anglo American has weathered economic storms; while continuing to review the opportunities for engineering enhancements to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the project for the long-term. The macro-economic story is plain – it ticks every box:
Attracting International Investment in UK industry
Driving Growth in Agri-tech and UK’s global fertiliser production status High export potential High productivity industry – supporting a high productivity supply chain Local jobs at all skill levels Transferable construction and engineering skills that will support decades of critical national infrastructure investment Driving growth, economic diversification and social and economic value in the north of England.
Quod | Woodsmith Project | Economic Impact Report | March 2026
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