N

orthern England has long been an important economic engine with an industrial heritage. While industry is still a vital cog in the region, today's driving forces include bio- pharmaceuticals, ICT and financial services.
   The M62 highway corridor provides a transportation link as it bisects the region, connecting its important economic centers. Stretching west to east, three thriving regions are the metropolitan areas surrounding Liverpool, Manchester and Leeds. A visitor to these three cities is likely to hear a lot about the three "R"s: regeneration, refurbishment and renaissance. Construction cranes punctuate the skylines of all three cities: More than 40 are in the city center of Liverpool alone. All three cities are developing a qualified work force to feed the important sectors, largely through freshly minted graduates from their respective "red brick" universities.