Member Article

National Commentator debates the budget in North East

North East business leaders attended Budget Live!, an event hosted by Tees Valley Unlimited and featuring an expert panel led by nationally-renowned commentator, David Smith, Economics Editor of The Sunday Times.

The event, held in Middlesbrough, attracted more than 100 senior managers and directors from business, the public sector, universities and the third sector.

Mr Smith said: “It is always interesting to hear the views of business leaders in the Tees Valley. They say it as it is from their perspective and their views are always relevant to the national picture and very pertinent.”

“We had a lively debate before George Osborne got to his feet and it was very interesting and stimulating to hear the contrasting views once he had sat down. There were very many views expressed on a local, regional and national level.”

Guests at Budget Live! questioned a panel comprising Mr Smith, Tees Valley Unlimited Managing Director Stephen Catchpole, CBI Regional Director Sarah Green and Institute of Directors North East Chairman Alastair Thomson.

Budget Live!, held this year at Fabrick Housing Group’s Middlesbrough headquarters, is now an annual event in the local business calendar.

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

Stephen Catchpole, Managing Director of TVU, said: “It is vitally important to promote this area’s economic well-being. Bringing business, local authority and charity leaders together to network and discuss the Budget together is something that TVU is proud to take a lead on.

And he added: “There was no shortage of strong opinion. As well as the panel debate there were dozens of other discussions among the delegates. Our business leaders see this event as one which is very worthwhile and one we see as essential as we look to lead the growth of the Tees Valley economy.”

To view video highlights from Budget Live! visit the Tees Valley Unlimited website –

https://www.teesvalleyunlimited.gov.uk/

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Tees Valley Unlimited .