WIRRAL could soon be “twinned” with one of the gambling capitals of the world after the authority’s leader embarked on a week-long “trade mission” as part of a scheme 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.

Cllr Davies told the Globe his week in and around Reno – organised and funded by the Chamber of Commerce - was “very positive” and has helped to open a number of doors with companies from Reno looking to break into the UK and European markets.

“The Chamber of Commerce had a contact over in Reno with a guy who used to work in Liverpool in the video gaming industry,” explained Cllr Davies.

“He was keen to explore whether there was an opportunity for companies from Reno to come over and relocate to Wirral as a bridge to the UK and European markets and equally whether Wirral businesses would be interested in expanding into the US market and going over to Reno.”

He met with the mayor of Reno Hillary Schieve and mayor Geno Martini from neighbouring city Sparks, as well as officials from the governor of Nevada’s office.

Cllr Davies added: “It was all very positive. They are very keen to work with us in sectors like offshore wind. They have a lot of IT companies and they have got a big automotive sector over in Reno manufacturing electric cars which are all areas we are hoping we can work together in.

“It was clear that the people representing both the public and private sectors of Nevada were very interested to learn more about how we could potentially look at developing key links between Wirral and the State of Nevada. 

"They have experienced the effects of same economic downturn which our businesses have felt over recent years, but like ourselves by working together we are looking at ways in which we can develop our trade markets.”

Representatives from Reno are due to visit Wirral in the coming weeks in order to continue talks.

Cllr Davies said: “I’m very keen to sign a twin city agreement with the mayor of Reno, mayor Schieve, and she’s equally keen so we can formalise the whole partnership – I think it’s quite exciting.

“I’ve got a very big part in attracting new jobs and investment into the Wirral so it’s very much part of that kind of area over which I’m trying to take a lead in.”

Wirral Chamber of Commerce chief executive Paula Basnett said Wirral was hoping to develop an automotive supplier park on part of the Wirral Waters site, with firms who they believe could take part in the “twinning” partnership being taken over to Reno next April.

Ms Basnett said: “We were welcomed very warmly, and we have exchanged ideas and have brought many back to the UK with us, and positively, several representatives from Nevada have made a commitment to join us in Wirral in the near future to further explore how we strengthen these links. 

"There is no doubt that we both share very similar visions for our respective economic growth and there is great scope build on relationships and to learn from each other.”