THE North has a new voice Down Under to champion the benefits to Antipodean companies looking to invest in the UK.

Regional development agencies One NorthEast, Yorkshire Forward and the Northwest Development Agency (NWDA) have assigned a firm to promote the region in Australia and New Zealand.

Professional Public Relations, operating from its Sydney headquarters with satellite offices throughout Australia and New Zealand, is working on behalf of the RDAs under their joint banner of the North of England Inward Investment Agency.

One of the largest PR firms in Australasia, it will promote the region to businesses with the message that the North represents a more attractive investment opportunity than London and the South-East.

The UK is Australia's largest European trading partner and accounts for 54 per cent of total trade. The UK is traditionally one of New Zealand's leading export markets.

Paul Taylor and Anthony Phillips, One NorthEast and Yorkshire Forward inward investment team managers respectively, visited Australia and New Zealand this month to cement the relationship with Professional Public Relations and to speak to sectors of business, government economic development advisors and the university network.

Mr Phillips said: "The North has all the benefits of a UK base with lower set-up and ongoing costs and one of the highest levels of financial help."