North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) is pulsating – geographically, culturally, economically – and can offer your company the best opportunities for success with a new business location in the European market. The federal state is Germany's economic engine and an international hub in the centre of Europe – in short, Europe's heartbeat.
It owes this status to its high population density and its exceptional economic performance – NRW has the highest gross domestic product of all German states and accounts for one-fifth of Germany's total GDP. NRW offers everything you need: talent, sales and procurement markets, cutting-edge research, networks, infrastructure – and a great place for you and your teams to live.
It is people that shape the markets: 46 million people live within 200 kilometres of the state capital of NRW, Düsseldorf – more than in any other European region. For your company, this is the most attractive sales, work and innovation area you could wish for. 9.8 million people employed in the state are curious about your company. That's more than in the Netherlands and twice as many as in Belgium.
Working towards a sustainable future
Germany's strongest economic powerhouse is heading towards climate neutrality. In NRW, you will become part of the first carbon-neutral industrial region in Europe by 2045. Take advantage of the change and drive forward renewable energies, smart manufacturing, and e-mobility.
Major goals like these cannot be achieved without highly qualified people: select your teams from around 710,000 students in NRW and more than 111,000 graduates each year. The scientific landscape is also the hotbed for numerous innovations. Europe's densest research network operates in the immediate vicinity of your NRW presence: some 70 universities, 14 clusters of excellence, 60 technology and incubator centres, and 50 non-university research institutions are ready and willing to work with you to develop the products and processes of tomorrow. Institutions such as Jülich Forschungszentrum, the German Aerospace Center (DLR), and numerous Max Planck and Fraunhofer Institutes are waiting to meet your needs for climate protection, traffic flow, or cybersecurity on an entirely new level.
In addition, NRW is one of the top locations for startups throughout Europe. Around 20 percent of all German startups are located here. Their innovative business models are driving the transformation of the economy, for example with solutions for the energy revolution and the transition to climate-neutral industry. Benefiting from a vibrant startup ecosystem with digital hubs, numerous accelerator programs, matchmaking, and communities.
UK and NRW: a vibrant partnership
The UK and NRW have a very special relationship: it was the British government that created the state of North Rhine-Westphalia from two Prussian provinces under the name "Operation Marriage" in 1946. Since then, a friendship und deep economic relations have developed, which have proven to be solid even after Brexit. With a trading volume of 18.9 billion euros in 2023, the UK is a very close economic partner for NRW. This also holds true for British companies in Germany. More than 1,600 companies from the UK are based here securing about 200,000 jobs – including BP, DRPG Group, Dyson, Farrat Isolevel, GKN, INEOS, JCB, Lush, Rentokil Initial, and Vodafone.
NRW.Global Business accompanies your settlement process
The step into a foreign market must be well prepared – ideally with experienced partners. NRW.Global Business, the state-owned trade and investment agency, is by your side when it comes to investment projects and setting up operation in NRW. Our experts accompany from the first step to a successful settlement and beyond – ensuring a good start in NRW. Get in touch with our office in London for individual services, e.g. with information on markets or locations as well as practical support for concrete settlements and expansions.
Author: David Schneider, Representative, NRW.Global Business United Kingdom / London
Trade & Investment Agency of the German State of North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW)
Interested in learning more how NWR can be your getaway to grow your business in Germany and beyond?
NWR. Global Business has partnered up with the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce to host a market event next 21st May in Manchester. Hear from market experts and companies who have successfully scale up in the region. Book your free slot on the link below:
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