Jobs and inward investment boost for region with new Stronger North East campaign

A new campaign has been launched in the North East in a bid to attract inward investment and create jobs.

North East Chamber of Commerce has unveiled its latest Stronger North East campaign to support the recovery and growth of the region.

A two-week programme of debates and events on the future of the North East economy will kick off the campaign, with a range of businesses and organisations set to discuss what areas can be improved to revive the region’s economy.

Lesley Moody, chamber president, (AES Digital), commented: “We must leverage the renewed sense of community that we have seen during this crisis and never lose sight of the importance of fairness, both between and within regions.

“Our recovery must address long term goals such as sustainability and ensure that businesses are able to make the most of every opportunity available to them.

“If ‘levelling up’ regions such as ours was a priority before the pandemic, then its importance has increased tenfold now. The time has come for a serious national plan to close the economic gaps between regions.”

Fringe panel events will include Stronger North East’s themes of influence, connectivity, competitiveness, global trade, employment and skills.

Speakers include regional MPs, council leaders, Matt Beeton at Port of Tyne, Chris Smith at Thirteen Group, Robert Thorburn at Openreach and Andrew Haigh of Newcastle Building Society.

Andrew Haigh, chief executive of Newcastle Building Society, explained: “A vibrant high street is crucial to the health and wellbeing of our local communities, never more so as we all confront the challenges posed by the pandemic.

“Working together, we each have a role to play in re-shaping our town centres and in helping them evolve to become the diverse, accessible, multifunctional hubs that will support and energise our communities through recovery and beyond.”