The encouraging statistics are contained in the latest business survey data produced for the Royal Bank of Scotland by NTC Research.
Stuart Green, senior economist at the Royal Bank of Scotland, said: "Further robust growth of the north west economy was recorded in September, with the rate of expansion moving above the national average. Output in the region has now increased for 18 successive months, and the strengthening of new orders growth points to further expansion over the coming months.
"Rising oil prices remain a concern, particularly for manufacturers. But business sentiment within the north west appears strong and employment recorded a further increase during the month."
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