An influential partnership has begun a year-long study into the impact of developing stronger transport links between the Manchester and Leeds city regions.

The Northern Way, a partnership between the three northern Regional Development Agencies, has teamed up with the Spatial Economics Research Centre to consider how further collaboration between the two hubs could enhance growth levels and jobs.

It will look at commuting and business interactions between the city regions. The Northern Way has previously called for improved links between the two city regions, as well as investment in cross-Pennine road and rail links.

Richard Baker, policy and research manager at the Northern Way, said: ‘Existing research suggests there could be more opportunities for interaction between the two largest city regions in the North, in terms of business connections or commuting.

Together we will investigate the benefits and barriers to improving links and how we may overcome them to accelerate the economic growth in the North.’

But the leader of Newcastle City Council, John Shipley, warned that the Northeast was being overlooked. ‘We also need urgently to improve connections for the Northeast,’ he said.