Sunday Times economics editor to speak at debate

The economics editor of the Sunday Times will be sharing his opinions with business leaders from across the region in a live debate.

Nationally renowned commentator and economics editor, David Smith will be speaking at Budget Live! on Wednesday March 20 in Middlesbrough.

Bdaily will be reporting at the event as audience members grill a panel comprising of Mr Smith, Tees Valley Unlimited Managing Director Stephen Catchpole, CBI Regional Director Sarah Green and Institute of Directors North East Chairman Alastair Thomson.

Following the debate the Chancellor, George Osbourne’s budget speech will be broadcast live to the audience.

The event, hosted by Tees Valley Unlimited, will be held at at Fabrick Housing Group’s Middlesbrough headquarters.

Tees Valley Unlimited is the Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) for the Tees Valley, which is responsible for helping create jobs, nurture new business and boost the local economy.

Stephen Catchpole, TVU Managing Director, said: “As part of our remit to promote and assist the area’s economic development and job creation, it is important that TVU takes account of the views of business leaders, decision-makers and opinion-formers.

“Budget Live! will provide the ideal platform for representatives from the public, private and voluntary sectors to interact with one of the country’s top economic commentators and leaders from key business organisations.

“The audience will be able to engage with a leading panel discussing the local, regional and national economy followed by a live broadcast of George Osborne’s 2013 Budget.”