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RDA report hits right notes

North East business leaders have welcomed a report published last week which took on board suggestions from the region’s business community.

The North East Chamber of Commerce has called on the Government to adopt the recommendations laid out in the business and enterprise select committee report into regional development agencies.

James Ramsbotham, NECC chief executive, said: “One North East has made a significant impact over the past ten years by providing strategic focus on economic policy for the region which we want to see continue.

“In our submission, we raised concerns that the RDA’s remit was expanding without the Government giving sufficient commitment to ensuring that the skills are present to deliver these extra services. If we expect them to perform more duties we really must make sure that it is managed correctly.

“NECC was keen in its submission to stress that there needed to be greater connection between the boards and senior managers of RDAs and the broader business community to make sure that the views of all companies are taken into account when decisions are being made. We are pleased to see that the select committee has specifically addressed this point.

“We hope now that the Government takes these issues on board and we look forward to an even better working relationship with One North East in the future.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .