Chemicals

The North West is the UK's largest regional centre for chemical manufacturing, with over 1,000 chemical companies, including polymer processing, contributing an estimated £3 billion to the economy. The chemical industry is also the region's largest exporter as well as having the largest number of chemical-related start-ups outside the South East.

The industry is therefore a key priority for the economy of the North West and this section highlights the wealth of information and support available to help businesses develop and grow.

Business Link Northwest is your free to use, independent business support and information service. Our team of specialist advisers have in-depth understanding and know-how of the chemicals industry and offer free, tailored one-to-one support for your business. Call us now on 0845 00 66 888 or use our contact us form to find out what we can do for you!

Spotlight on funding
Funding is available, from METRC, to support research projects exploring the feasibility of innovative new products and processes. Up to £10 thousand is available for collaborative projects between North of England based companies and universities.

Find out about funding and eligibility on the METRC website.

Help to comply with REACH legislation

The REACH Centre offers a single point of contact for all your REACH requirements. The comprehensive service offering is structured to ensure you get a cost-effective package that is tailored for all your needs. Visit the REACH Centre website to find out more.

Health and safety

The Health and Safety Executive provides guidance and support to help businesses in the chemical sector manage health and safety regulations and make work a safe place to be. Take a look at the website to find out more!

In the spotlight
Find out more about the updated regulations on provisions for aerosol dispensers.

Your sector needs you
Employers interested in getting involved in a scheme to help chemistry undergraduates develop their vocational skills, whilst providing businesses with additional resource, should email Roger Langford at the National Skills Academy for Process Industries to find out about plans for a new BSc (Hons) Chemistry sandwich course with Manchester Metropolitan University.

Regulation checklist

Use our interactive tool to quickly and easily create your own personalised regulation checklist allowing you to see at a glance the regulations that apply to your business.

Featured support

Grow your business
Access impartial advice and support to develop and implement your plans for growth.

Innovation Fitness Test
Take Chemicals Northwest's test to improve your innovation performance.

Support for exporters
Contact UK Trade and Investment on 0845 603 7053 to find out about international trade support.

Chemicals Northwest
Visit the Chemicals Northwest website to find out about the cluster support specific to the growth and development of the chemicals sector.

Manufacturing Advisory Service North West (MAS)
Visit MAS North West to find out about business improvement techniques for manufacturing in the chemicals sector.

Skills development

Train to Gain
Improve your productivity and competitiveness by ensuring your staff have got the right skills to do the job.

Leadership and Management
Take up this innovative programme to equip yourself with the skills to become a better leader.

Apprenticeships
Find out how apprenticeships can make your business more effective, productive and competitive.

Cogent
Find out more about skills development from the Sector Skills Council for the chemicals, pharmaceuticals, nuclear, oil and gas, petroleum and polymer, and emerging technologies businesses.

In focus

Starting a business

Roadmap to success

Industry watch

How to...

Chemicals

Sector news