Sheffield City Council CEO urges Government to make Northern Powerhouse central in post-Brexit Britain

The Chief Executive of Sheffield City Council has stated that the Northern Powerhouse needs to be central to the Government’s plans in shaping new trade deals following Brexit.

On the first morning of the UK Northern Powerhouse conference next week, John Mothersole will discuss with his counterparts across the region how the Northern Powerhouse can influence the economic and political landscape in the near future.

Joining Mr Mothersole on the panel at Manchester Central on Tuesday, February 21, is Sir Howard Bernstein, CEO, Manchester City Council; Pat Ritchie, CEO, Newcastle-upon-Tyne City Council; Ged Fitzgerald, CEO, Liverpool City Council; David Budd, Chair, Tees Valley Combined Authority; and Cllr Judith Blake, Leader of Leeds City Council.

Mr Mothersole said: “There has always been a case for the UK economy to be performing fully and so not using Northern economic assets would clearly be a lost opportunity.

“Post-Brexit it is even more vital for the North to be part of the solution especially as some sectors might become more vulnerable, for example financial services, and boosting those sectors that can cut through is essential to ensure we can still compete on the world stage.

“I also think that in times of uncertainty, which this is, focus should be on business fundamentals, and Northern fundamentals are great innovative universities and research capacity, a talented and large workforce, and manufacturing capability and capacity, all of which are strengths that will help sustain us and the wider UK economy until the future is clearer.”

He added: “Sheffield City Region’s manufacturing excellence is well known and most recently reflected in the announcement from McLaren (cars) where we are seeing a renowned company developing its presence locally because of the innovation that can be achieved here. If ever there was a microcosm of an asset-led growth that surely must be it.”

The conference will also feature sessions with the CEOs of major national businesses such as Nissan, Cisco and Lufthansa Group, leading lights in regeneration, property, education and skills, infrastructure, energy, technology and finance, as well as playing host to a number of international trade delegations.

The conference will be held in Manchester Central on 21 and 22 February and is expected to attract more than 3,000 delegates over two days.