WIRRAL is now “twinned” with one of the gambling capitals of the world after the council leader embarked a second week-long “trade mission” as part of a scheme said to bring investment and jobs to the borough.

Council leader Phil Davies visited Reno in Nevada as part of a Wirral Chamber of Commerce trip aimed at exploring the possibility of companies from either side of the pond joining forces.

While Reno is famous for gambling and divorce, recent years have seen it re-invent itself as a key player in the technology sector, with top companies including Amazon, Apple, Microsoft and electric car manufacturer Tesla locating there.

Councillor Davies was joined by Kevin Adderley, the council’s strategic director of regeneration and environment (who has since left the council) and Paula Basnett, chief executive of Wirral Chamber of Commerce.

Wirral’s growing links with international markets are said to have taken "another step forward" following the tri - which saw the signing of a Twin City Partnership agreement between Wirral and Reno.

Wirral Globe:
The twinning partnership agreement being signed by Cllr Phil Davies and Mayor of Reno Hillary Schieve.

Councillor Davies said: “We have an ambition to grow our clean energy manufacturing sector and Reno is home to 13 geo-thermal companies and a number of advanced clean energy manufacturers.

“Earlier this year, Reno gained incredible international recognition when electric car company Tesla Motors announced plans for a $5bn factory in the area and was recently cited by the Kauffman Foundation as the U.S.’s “most consistent standout” for start-ups, with an emerging concentration of aviation, research-and-development, and high-tech industries.”

During the visit, a series of meetings were held with government and private sector organisations and officials from Wirral and Reno agreed to build economic and trade opportunities between the two areas.

Ms Basnett said: “Signing this agreement signifies Wirral’s ambition to build global relationships and create opportunities for our business community. Reno has similar ambitions as Wirral and there is a clear determination to move forward and open discussions which will be beneficial for businesses in both Wirral and Reno.”