Member Article

North East reaction to the passing of Thatcher

Leading North East business people have given their reaction to the death of former Prime Minister, Baroness Thatcher.

Mike Odysseas, Managing Director of Odyssey Systems Ltd, said: “There is no doubt that Mrs Thatcher changed the country for the better. Without her thousands of businesses, including mine would never have got off the ground because she created an environment where entrepreneurialism was not only acceptable, but embraced.

“She was fearless in her approach to enabling the country to get moving after the country stalled to a virtual halt under Labour in the 70s, which paved the way for a programme of privatisation and battles with the Union’s that enabled new businesses to be formed and flourish.

“Her administration created a legacy for British business that I am very proud to a part of that has ensured that entrepreneurs can turn their aspirations into a reality, create jobs and make a valuable contribution to the economy.”

Ruth Roddam, who owns Saks hair salon in Darlington, said: “Whatever your political persuasion, from a female perspective Baroness Thatcher showed great leadership and was an iconic role model. She embodied empowerment for professional, working women everywhere and proved that women can achieve in what is still a predominantly male-dominated world. Her opinions and views were held in great esteem on the world stage and she will be sadly missed.”

John Elliott, Chairman of the Ebac Group, said: “Margaret Thatcher revolutionised the economics of this country, from a very bad state to a very good one, but it was a legacy which was never fulfilled. Her intention was to get us out of the crazy world we were in, but what she did was hijacked by financiers and bankers with a get rich quick mentality.

“Her intention was to reward effort rather than speculators.”

Norman Peterson, Director of Carlton & Co, which has offices in London and Newton Aycliffe, said: “I’m very sad to hear about the death of Mrs Thatcher. We’ve lost one of the best Prime Ministers the country has ever had, second only to Winston Churchill. We will look back on her time in office and realise what a formidable leader and visionary she was. She was tough reformer who raised Britain’s standing abroad.

“She made a difference and built a better country in the process. Well done Mrs Thatcher.”

Nigel Mills, Chairman of the Entrepreneurs Forum, said: “Lady Thatcher’s legacy will be a long-lasting one as the economic climate she created helped to shape the way we do business today and encouraged business to grow both in the UK and abroad. The support she gave to British business will be a key part of her legacy for many years to come.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Recognition PR Business Team .