Partner Article

Ambitious economic body plan launched

AN ALLIANCE of organisations has set out its plans for a North East Economic Partnership (NEEP) as a new strategic economic body for the North East.

The Northern Business Forum (NBF), including the CBI, Federation of Small Businesses, EEF and North East Chamber of Commerce (NECC) plus sector bodies such as NEPIC and Service Network, has been working with the Association of North East Councils (ANEC) on the future of economic development in the North East.

NBF and ANEC have set out their case for a NEEP in a submission to Government today that accompanies and complements five bids from across the North East for Local Enterprise Partnerships.

Together these bids are geared to delivering sustainable economic growth in the UK through a genuine partnership of businesses and local authorities.

The NEEP will focus on promotion of productivity, enterprise and business growth through developing innovation and exploiting research and development capabilities.

It will also seek to encourage the development of sectors that are strategic to the UK and are clustered in the North East, such as low carbon vehicles, offshore wind, chemicals and process industries.

Other key points in its strategy include account managing and supporting enquiries for new investment from both existing businesses and inward investors.

John Cuthbert, chair of the Northern Business Forum, said: “This bid sets a clear commitment to build a strong partnership to grow the North East economy and maintain the momentum in addressing a challenging economic environment. It’s an exciting opportunity and a compelling proposition that will benefit not just the North East but the economy of the UK.”

The NEEP will seek to take over the managing of the European Regional Development Funds and the Rural Development Programme for England funds;

It also aims to provide strategic input on other key related areas linked to economic growth such as integrated transport and energy investment.

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