It’s hard to escape the doom and gloom about the jobs market and unemployment levels, in particular about opportunities for graduates. If you believe the media and various reports and complaints, it’s virtually impossible for graduates to find jobs. They get work in shops or restaurants, let alone something connected to their degree.

But is this the same everywhere? Recent reports about large companies setting up offices in the North West and the popularity of the region for businesses suggest reasons to be optimistic about the region’s economy, particularly within sectors like media.

The North West is second only to London for graduate employability, with companies large and small prepared to invest in the talent.

All the large graduate recruiters such as Deloitte, KPMG and Accenture have offices in the region and conduct annual graduate recruitment drives from the local universities in Manchester, Liverpool and the surrounding areas. In addition, smaller companies tend to do well in the North West’s creative industries sectors, and small companies such as one year old Venn Digital, SEO, web design and digital marketing specialists in Wilmslow, are able to offer employment and training to graduates. There is a recognition that investing in graduates pays long term dividends, as the graduate and employee grow together.

The other opportunities open to students and graduates in the North West mean they get support not available in many regions. For example, Manchester University is host to the country’s largest graduate jobs fair, where over 160 employers exhibit to promote a range of roles. The region also recently launched the Graduate i-Pass, aimed at giving budding entrepreneurs access to free services and support, such as wireless internet and meeting rooms in key facilities such as Liverpool Science Park. It will also help to create a community amongst ambitious graduates and foster innovation in the region.