£1.4bn North East devolution deal: Local businesses and leaders react

Following the Levelling Up Secretary’s announcement that new money and powers would be given to the North East’s local leaders on December 28, a plethora of local business owners and figures of authority have shared their perspectives on how this development will shape the future of the North East economy. Read on to find out more…

John McCabe, chief executive, North East England Chamber of Commerce:

“Leaders from across Northumberland, Tyne and Wear and County Durham have worked tirelessly to get this settlement over the line.

“Throughout the business community there has been unwavering support for the advantages we know stronger devolution brings the freedom to build projects, programmes and partnerships which truly deliver for the North East.

“County Durham’s inclusion is very warmly welcomed, we know the region will benefit hugely from this. It demonstrates bold, visionary leadership. Congratulations to everyone involved so far – this marks a real step change in opportunity and ambition for the region.”

Sarah Glendinning, North East director, Confederation of British Industry:

“The business community is clear about the benefits devolution has already brought to the region – from accelerating our green industries to improving business diversity and resilience. But we know more needs to be done, and now is the time to be bold.

“Today’s economic environment is a tough one but giving the region more powers can boost business confidence, unleash fresh creativity and dynamism, and unlock private investment needed to grow the North East’s visibility on the world stage.

“Our members have supported discussions every step of the way. They now stand ready to help make the North East an exemplar of ambitious, long-term collaboration between the public, private and voluntary sectors.”

Reshma Begum, North East development manager, Federation of Small Businesses:

“Businesses of all sizes and across all sectors are clear on the benefits and opportunities devolution will have on the region.

“In the current challenging economic climate, giving local leaders the powers to decide our direction and act based on the needs of local people will increase business and consumer confidence, allowing the North East to unlock our potential and achieve our ambitions.

“New powers, resources and momentum will support SMEs and sole traders, which we know are central to thriving people and places, making the North East the ideal place to start and grow a business. The announcement is great news for the whole region, our businesses and our communities.”

Stephen Patterson, chief executive, NE1:

“The proposed devolution deal is great news for the city and for the region. The new Combined Authority presents a significant geography, with so many assets.

“This deal presents the opportunity to work strategically on long term projects, but must deliver locally for all the communities it represents. Rome wasn’t built in a day, but this is a great starting point.”

Sarah Waddington CBE, chair of the IoD’s North East (North) branch:

“I warmly welcome the news that we finally have the go-ahead for a North East devolution deal. Congratulations to all those involved who have worked tirelessly to make this critical agreement a reality.

“Devolution is of paramount importance for our region, not least because of the investment and local decision-making powers it will unlock. The move will enable leaders to make decisions that support directors on the ground to do what they do best - driving innovation and prosperity.

“Our members have consistently told us that addressing the skills shortage and improving infrastructure are among their top priorities. Devolved powers will unleash a new era of collaboration, prioritise much-needed transport investment and drive an effective regional skills policy that will support the creation of high quality jobs for local people.

“The move ends the damaging uncertainty for local businesses and the risk of further delay caused by the instalment of a new Prime Minister. Now we can genuinely make the concept of Levelling Up happen and we will work closely with the new Combined Authority to ensure the voice of business continues to be heard.”

James Hall, director at planning and design consultancy Barton Willmore, now Stantec:

“We really welcome news of the North East devolution deal and see it as a real step in the right direction for the region. From a property and development point of view, what we would hope this could bring in is a combined regional strategy.

“Over my career, the former Regional Spatial Strategy worked really well so if we could see something similar being brought in under the new North East Mayoral Combined Authority, it would make a huge difference to development right across the region.

“Such a strategy does not need to be extensive and exhaustive and can fit in with the individual priorities of the different local authorities – even if it’s four pages of ‘what we are going to deliver and when we want to deliver it’ that would be a great start.”

By Matthew Neville – Senior Correspondent, Bdaily

• Add me on LinkedIn and Twitter to keep up to date
• And follow Bdaily on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn
• Submit press releases to editor@bdaily.co.uk for consideration.

Looking to promote your product/service to SME businesses in your region? Find out how Bdaily can help →