Member Article

North East Northern Powerhouse insight: Andrew Moorby, Tait Walker

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.

Andrew Moorby, Managing Partner at Tait Walker, is the latest North East business leader to give his take on the initiative.

What does the Northern Powerhouse mean to you?

A means of encouraging growth in the Northern region, around Manchester and the other main cities as the hubs, to help produce a more balanced national economy.

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

The local politicians seem to be talking and starting to work together, which is some progress.

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

It’s certainly making the right noises but the majority of the drive is centered around Manchester and the M62 corridor.

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

Economic studies from across the world have shown that investment in infrastructure of this nature is a vital first step to economic growth. Hence it’s a starting point not a solution on its own.

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

There are always competing demands on spending. Clearly the aim here is to promote growth which will in turn build a stronger, more vibrant economy providing the additional funding to improve those other areas which require investment. The key is to improve the growth of our economy and if this requires more transport investment first then that’s what we need to do!

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

We need our politicians to forget their party allegiances and work together for the benefit of the whole region. If this requires a mayor then so be it. Who should get the job? The person who can bring the various interested parties together to work as a team.

Will the Northern Powerhouse be realised in the North East?

Only if we grasp and engage with the concept, work together as a region and take full advantage of the opportunities as they arise. If we stand on the sideline saying it won’t work then it definitely won’t!

Thanks Andrew.