The North East Chamber of Commerce calls on Jeremy Hunt to support growth in the region

The North East Chamber of Commerce has written to chancellor Jeremy Hunt ahead of the November Autumn Statement, championing local businesses and calling for policies which enable organisations to plan for long term growth.

The Chamber has carried out extensive consultations with North East organisations and stakeholders ahead of the statement.

Key asks include a commitment to the proposed transport infrastructure following the scrapping of HS2 in the north, as well as increased support for devolution, international trade and investment in enterprise and green innovation.

To be prepared for a potential upcoming general election and local mayoral elections next spring, the business membership organisation has also taken feedback to Labour and Conservative party conferences, ensuring the region’s voice is heard as the parties prepare their campaigns.

The Chamber’s policy platform is based around priorities in its recently published strategy for change. This policy manifesto was informed by local businesses and outlines a clear plan to make the regional and national economy work better for local organisations.

John McCabe, Chamber chief executive, said: “When I met with the chancellor in Downing Street recently he was very much in listening mode. I hope he and his officials will receive the North East’s autumn budget submission in the same spirit.

“Addressing the region’s priorities will ensure that innovative, resilient, and flexible businesses in the North East continue to thrive in emerging industries and on the global stage.

“Organisations across Northumberland, Tyne and Wear, County Durham, and Tees Valley have a fundamental role to play in contributing to a better, more secure, more prosperous future. With a thriving low carbon economy, a strong talent pool and a fantastic quality of life, the North East is a place where positive, progressive policies come to life.”

With significant challenges around staffing and recruitment, as outlined in the Chamber’s recent economic surveys, the submission calls for strategies to improve workforce participation through a focus on health and wellbeing, skills, and diversity and inclusion.

Fewer than half of local organisations report working at full capacity, and with long term ill health keeping more people out of work, improvements to mental and physical health provision are key priorities for organisations across the region.

Ensuring young people are prepared with the relevant skills for the workforce also emerged as a priority to address long term staffing needs in business. For recently- proposed changes to education for 16- to 18-year-olds to work for the North East, the Chamber called for improved skills provision and reforms to apprenticeships and further education.

The business membership organisation also emphasised the need for improved equality of educational access for children across the North East.

Thomas Lonsdale, knowledge and research executive at the Chamber, said: “Organisations across the North East know that people and participation are fundamental in driving green, global growth.

“Improving education and participation will maximise the potential of regional talent and harness local skills to ensure organisations needs are met. People are the fundamental drivers of enterprise and growth, and will ensure the region continues to be a hub of green innovation. Our focus on skills and innovation is important locally and will strengthen the backbone of our international North East.”

Alongside calls for government action on the region’s skills pipeline, the representation called for targeted policies from the Treasury which recognise the strengths that already exist within the local business community to unlock further growth potential.

International trade, green innovation, and enterprise and growth were all outlined as key opportunities for organisations in the region.

John added: “Businesses have consistently shown resilience, creativity, and innovation in response to complex challenges over recent years, and we know at the Chamber that they will continue to thrive as new challenges emerge.

“Being awarded UK Chamber of the Year by the British Chambers of Commerce highlights our commitment to championing and supporting the North East and its brilliant business community. Engaging with policy makers means organisations can continue to grow and have the best possible environment to work in.

“We ensure businesses are at the heart of building a thriving economy, continuing to make the North East the best place to live and work. In partnership with our diverse and innovative members, we are committed to building a stronger, fairer North East.”

The autumn statement, which is due to be presented by chancellor Jeremy Hunt to Parliament on 22 November, is an opportunity for the chancellor to make key decisions about the direction of the national economy. The Chamber continues to ensure the needs of North East businesses are a key priority for the Treasury.

By Mark Adair – 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 →