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John McCabe, chief executive of the North East Chamber of Commerce and new chair of the Business and Economy Board, with North East mayor Kim McGuinness

‘North East means business’ with new board

Mayor Kim McGuinness and the North East Combined Authority have appointed business leaders to key roles on a new board aimed at driving economic growth and “harnessing the power of devolution”.

John McCabe, chief executive of the North East Chamber of Commerce, has been named chair of the newly formed Business and Economy Board, with Emily Cox, group ambassador for the North at Lloyds Banking Group, as vice-chair.

The board will provide strategic advice to the mayor and the combined authority as they implement the Local Growth Plan, helping shape policies to boost the economy and create opportunities for local people.

As chair, Mr McCabe will attend cabinet meetings, ensuring business insights inform decision-making and fostering collaboration between public and private sectors.

He said: “I’m delighted to have been appointed chair of the North East Combined Authority Business and Economy Board. 

“This is a responsibility I will take on, independent of my role as Chamber chief executive. 

“I’m looking forward to working with the mayor, local authority leaders and their teams to ensure the huge benefits of devolution are felt by people and businesses across our region.

“We want to establish the North East as the region of real opportunity, where there is no limit on ambition and where businesses of all sizes and sectors can thrive.

“Now is the time to act differently and think bigger, to reset the relationship between politics, local government and business. That’s how we’ll deliver for the North East.”

Emily added: “Whilst the global outlook remains uncertain, there are grounds for optimism in the North East. 

“The fundamentals we need to deliver growth are all here. 

“We have world leading universities, outstanding further educational colleges, entrepreneurial spirit and above all, great people. 

“We are attractive to private capital that can help us build an ambitious, growth economy that can spread prosperity to all parts of our great region.”

Welcoming John and Emily to their new roles, mayor McGuinness added: “This is an exciting time for North East businesses as we harness the power of devolution to support regional businesses, drive forward investment and stimulate the local economy. 

“The message is clear – the North East means business.

“I’m looking forward to working with John and Emily, and the Business and Economy Board to harness the experiences of businesses in the region to deliver tactical, targeted support and investment that will boost growth and opportunities for business in our amazing region.”

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