Balancing the economy - Over the years, there have been many attempts to address the problems cause by de-industrialisation in the North. Financial support from the UK government and the EU has helped new businesses and improvements in infrastructure. Forgeign investment has been encouraged in the North: Nissan at Washington in Tyne and Wear opened in 1984, and Mitsubishi at Livingston, near Edinborough, opened in 1975. Furthermore, in 2015 the government launched a new strategy for a 'Northern Powerhouse' to help balance the wealth and influence of London and the South East. This involves developing the economies of the major cities in northern England such as Liverpool and Manchester. Tourism, food and energy are to be developed in rural areas.