Living in the North West

Recently described by the Financial Times as a genuine rival to 'overheated London' the North West is one of the most vibrant and dynamic parts of the UK. It's a region that's on the up.

Since the days of the Happy Mondays and the Hacienda, Manchester has always had a reputation as the cool northern city but Liverpool is fast catching up. Gearing up to be in the international spotlight in 2008 when it becomes the European Capital Culture, Liverpool is working hard to shake off its industrial image to become the new fashionable place to be.

But the North West is more than just Manchester and Liverpool. Stretching from Carlisle in the north to Stafford in the south, you'll find a wide variety of things to see, do and experience. Whether it's shopping, eating out, cultural pursuits or bar hopping that float your boat, it's all here. Award-winning museums, galleries and theatres complement eye-catching architecture, innovative cultural events, and a great nightlife.

Or if you prefer to get back to nature, the North West offers some of the best recreational facilities in Britain. From the Lake District, Snowdonia and the Pennines to the pretty Cheshire countryside you can walk, hike, run, climb, cycle on and off road, windsurf, picnic, paraglide the list is endless. And the scenery is stunning, whatever you choose to do.

Let's not forget one of the North West's biggest exports Manchester United. With the reds (United) and the blues (Manchester City), Liverpool and Everton all fighting for top spot in the Premiership, its a football fans paradise. For those less partial to the beautiful game, there's Aintree and the Grand National or, if you prefer to take part, theres a host of brand new sporting facilities, a legacy from the successful Commonwealth Games.

And for kids there is as much to see and do as there is for adults, with The Blue Planet Aquarium, Chester Zoo, Knowsley Safari Park and Blackpool Pleasure Beach all in the region. Most restaurants, museums and sporting facilities also cater for children, making sure the region is a great place for all ages.

Getting here is easy thanks to excellent transport links. Of course, we have a few traffic jams too, but the road network is generally very good. If you want to fly there's the choice of Liverpool and Manchester airports or if you prefer to stay on the ground, you can get here and away, on the new high-speed tilting train service - London to Manchester in a little over 2 hours.

Combine all this with an excellent variety of places to live, a good choice of schools and universities and the North West is the ideal place to work, rest and play!