Member Article

Northern Powerhouse Minister meets with TeessideTogether organisation

Northern Powerhouse Minister James Wharton, MP for the Stockton South area, has met with leaders of the TeessideTogether campaign, an organisation campaigning for Teesside to be accepted as the clear identity for the area.

TeessideTogether Chairman Dave Roberts and fellow director Chris Joseph met with Mr Wharton shortly after he had addressed the ‘Northern Powerhouse’ breakfast event held at Wynyard Hall, where the need for a strong identity for the area was one of the key issues discussed.

Dave Roberts explained: “We were grateful that the Minister took the time to meet us—he is a self-confessed ‘Teessider’ and we were able to discuss the issues between the area’s local authorities and the need for the strongest possible ‘brand’ if our area is to benefit from the devolution revolution which Mr Wharton and his Government colleagues are leading.

“It was, in my view, quite shocking, that at the breakfast event one of the panel speakers suggested that the issue of the area’s identity could not be solved…that cannot be right and would result in us being left behind other major conurbations in taking forward the Northern Powerhouse agenda.

“The reality is that every time local people have been asked to choose an identity—including two recent polls—Teesside has proved far and away the most supported, with hardly any backing for ‘Tees Valley.’

“We certainly share with Mr Wharton the aim of positioning the area to bring investment, jobs…and good news. TeessideTogether remains convinced that Teesside should be the brand. This is no time for parochialism…Teesside needs to come together as one region to take full advantage of devolution and create a bright future for itself.

“It’s time for us to roll up our sleeves and tell the world to invest in Teesside because it is a great place to do business in.”

Dave Roberts also revealed that TeessideTogether would shortly announce details of several high profile events to help boost the profile—and unity—of the area.