Sunrise over Preston, with the mill chimney showing the last time there was a ‘Powerhouse’ of the North Pic: Tony Worrall

Preston’s university is one of 30 firms to back the Northern Powerhouse initative begin championed by the government.

The University of Central Lancashire has joined alongside the likes of Siemens, Barclays, Marketing Lancashire and Recycling Lives.

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It means a network is formed to promote the North and focus on four key priorities, connectivity and transport, skills such as science and innovation, quality of life and culture and ultimately devolution of power from Whitehall.

Professor Mike Thomas

Vice-chancellor of the university Professor Mike Thomas said: “It’s a great privilege for the University of Central Lancashire to work with the Government as a Northern Powerhouse Partner. The spirit of collaboration and partnership is a key cultural driver of the University. We’ve been partnering with businesses, families, and other educational providers to transform lives and drive economic innovation across our region since 1828.

“We look forward to working with the Government and other Northern Powerhouse partners to optimise the tremendous potential of the businesses and young people across the north in the coming years.”

Read more: New pictures show how UCLan’s Adelphi Square plan will look

UCLan contributes around £200m each year to the North West’s economy and is the largest university in Lancashire.

Prime Minister Theresa May has pledged to continue the Northern Powerhouse initiative and appointed a minister responsible for delivering further devolution and investment to the North.

Andrew Percy MP, the Northern Powerhouse Minister, said: “We are determined to create an economy that works for everyone, which is why we’re backing the Northern Powerhouse with the investment and powers it needs to unleash its huge untapped potential.

“And with 187,000 jobs created in the North in the past year alone and billions invested through devolution deals, Northern businesses signed up to our new partner programme can be a catalyst for economic growth, not just in the North but throughout the country.”

What do you think of the announcement? Do you believe the Northern Powerhouse rhetoric? Let us know in the comments below