Forging greater links between Sci-Tech Daresbury and one of Europe's leading industrial networks was on the agenda during a visit by a high level delegation from Germany.

The visitors from Hamburg were given a tour of the site and discussed the potential for collaboration with the northern Germany life science hub known as Life Sciences Nord.

Life Science Nord is one of the leading industry networks in Europe and boasts around 500 companies, research institutions and institutions from the medtech, biotech and pharmaceutical industries.

Sci-Tech Daresbury itself is a national science and innovation campus and enterprise zone and the visit was part of the delegation's wider tour of the Liverpool City Region to disuses trade, culture, tourism, innovation and life sciences, with the city region looking to gain stronger foothold in the UK’s second biggest export market

The visit built on on last year’s Mayoral mission to the north German city state with an urban population of around 2.5m people.

Katherine Fairclough, Chief Executive of the Liverpool City Region, said: "We are very pleased to welcome a high-level delegation from Hamburg to the city region. This follows on from our very successful Mayoral visit to Hamburg last year and is focused on developing closer links between us.

"This visit will cement our partnership, promote and deliver joint projects with real and tangible benefits for our two cities, in areas as diverse as tourism, health and life sciences and academic collaborations."

A spokesperson said last year’s mayoral mission to Hamburg strengthened trade and investment ties, linking German businesses and trade associations with the Liverpool City Region.

Representatives discussed public transport and urban mobility, decarbonisation, green hydrogen and Hamburg’s approach to climate change, biodiversity and net zero.

There was also a presentation by the city region’s pioneering new visitor economy partnership which was set up this year to develop the visitor economy via strategic partnerships and marketing initiatives.

Talks also took place around the city region potentially joining Hamburg’s annual Hafengeburtstag festival, a huge international maritime event which this year celebrated the port’s 835th birthday.