It was launched in 1989 during British Rail's sectorisation programme which created distinct brand identities for regional sub-divisions.

[3][4][5] Invited guests travelled on a special train formed of a Class 150 from the museum to Chorley, then back from Adlington (Lancashire) to Manchester Oxford Road.

[6] The Provincial sector of British Rail, which was responsible for the new network, then ran a series of roadshows in town centres across northwest England in June and July 1989 to increase public awareness of the brand.

Network NorthWest was eventually absorbed into the Regional Railways operation prior to the privatisation of British Rail and the brand disappeared from use.

Network NorthWest featured a red and grey NW logo which was applied to publicity, timetables, station signage and some rolling stock across the region.