As for material wise, the English realized that the American Colonies could provide a stable stream of funds that relied on the production, refining, and sale of many different supplies and crops. Such examples would be Tobacco, Sugar (not 100% on this one), and Cotton (later on). Other products that could be produced in the Americas were whale oil and seafood. As for influence, the English noticed that they could claim large parts of Unclaimed (and sometimes claimed, which they woukd fight for) North America such as parts of Canada and almost the entire East Coats in order to spread the influence of the Crown further throughout the world. It was also a power struggle fight between Britain, France, and Spain, which was another reason for the colonies.