Member Article

North East Northern Powerhouse insight: Gareth Godwin, Manager at WRL Glass Media

In an ongoing series, Jamie Hardesty is talking to North East business leaders in an attempt to understand the region’s feelings towards the government’s Northern Powerhouse initiative.

This investigation, surveying regional business opinion, hopes to add coherence to the concept and today we feature the tenacious Teesside views of Gareth Godwin, Manager at WRL Glass Media.

Launched in 2012, the Middlesbrough-based firm takes unwanted glass and processes it into granulated form for applications such as water filtration and shot blasting. Part of Ward Recycling, the company employs 146 people and has a turnover in excess of £8 million.

What does the Northern Powerhouse mean to you?

If I am honest, it means very little to me or my business. I have attended many meetings where the Northern Powerhouse has been discussed but there is a lack of clarity as to what it means and what it will do.

Are there signs of the Northern Powerhouse starting to bear fruit in the region?

I am yet to see any signs of improvements related to the Northern Powerhouse rhetoric. There is obviously a lot of discussion around the topic, but I couldn’t point to a specific case, to which I could associate success or even potential for success.

Has the government done enough to convince you of its commitment to Osborne’s vision?

No. I have to say that I am not convinced of either the role or vision of the Northern Powerhouse. At this stage there appears to be more speculation and confusion than solid plans for progression.

Transport improvement is intrinsic to the Northern Powerhouse. Do you believe that spending billions on infrastructure will improve Northern productivity?

In my line of business, which is the collection and sorting of household recyclate and recycled glass media manufacturing, we take advantage of existing strong infrastructure via the road network throughout the region and further afield, and an excellent cargo infrastructure via sea.

The North East is one of the most productive regions of the UK in terms of export and while I agree that upgrading infrastructure can be beneficial, I am not convinced of the direct improvement that will have on my business.

Are there any other areas which you believe money should be spent on, ahead of transport?

In my personal view, the Northern Powerhouse in its current form is almost a distraction. My number one priority is to develop WRL Glass Media in to the prime UK supplier and expand into Europe. Considering where money should be spent, without clear knowledge that the money or intention is there, is not the most productive use of my time.

Does the North East need a mayor? If so, who should it be?

I haven’t given it any thought. I prefer to keep away from the politics and concentrate on business.

Will the Northern Powerhouse be realised in the North East?

Without full clarification on what the Northern Powerhouse is, it is very difficult to understand and comment on what is going to be realised. My personal opinion is that the North East already is a strong and powerful region with a dedicated and skilled work force.

I would welcome anything that will strengthen, support and reward this, but in terms of the Northern Powerhouse, I require more information and clarity as to what, where, why and when it is.

Thanks Gareth.

We’re gathering more and more data and opinion in our daily Northern Powerhouse push. We hope to discuss findings with Northern Powerhouse Minister James Wharton in May. Should you wish to get involved, email Jamie at jamie.hardesty@bdaily.co.uk.