THE number of foreign direct investment (FDI) projects secured by the North West grew 27 per cent in 2013.

A total of 56 FDI projects came to the region last year, compared to 44 a year earlier – making it the third most successful of the 12 UK regions.

The North West was ranked fifth of the 12 UK regions for jobs created as a result of FDI projects in 2013.

Two of the projects came to Cumbria, in Dalston and Carlisle, and two to Lancashire, in Skelmersdale and Leyland.