Pictured, from left to right, are John McCabe, chief executive of the North East Chamber of Commerce; Natasha McDonough, founder and chief executive of MMC Research and Marketing; Nikola McNicol-Kenney (sitting), vice president of small business UKI at Sage; Dr Suzanne Hague, principal lecturer at Teesside University; Rhiannon Bearne, deputy chief executive at the North East Chamber of Commerce; and Gill Hunter, managing partner at Square One Law

Chamber unveils roadmap for regional growth

A new strategy has been unveiled to boost the North East economy through collaboration between businesses, government and communities.

The North East Chamber of Commerce has launched its 2025–27 policy plan, Unlocking the North East Economy, which sets out priorities to drive growth, create jobs and promote fairness across the region.

The strategy, developed in consultation with members from multiple sectors, focuses on six priorities to guide the Chamber’s advocacy and campaigning work on behalf of its members over the next two years:

Securing quality jobs of the future
Capitalising on the region’s strengths in clean energy and net-zero innovation
Improving transport and digital connectivity
Championing an internationally trading North East
Creating the conditions for a healthier and happier workforce
Driving inclusive growth through equity, diversity and inclusion

To achieve these goals, the Chamber, which represents almost 2000 organisations, together employing around 40 per cent of the regional workforce, will lobby for apprenticeship reforms, push for digital skills investment and convene networks focused on innovation, wellbeing and trade.

The plan, launched at Middlesbrough’s Riverside Stadium last Thursday (September 18), also identifies areas where it expects policymakers to act, from providing the right infrastructure to supporting communities in adapting to economic change.

John McCabe, chief executive of the North East Chamber of Commerce, said: “The North East offers a rare blend of business opportunities, affordability, cultural richness, passionate and skilled people and natural beauty.

“Written in conjunction with our members, Unlocking the North East Economy articulates the Chamber’s advocacy focus for the next two years.

“It underscores our region’s ambition and provides a unified call to action for meaningful change.

“We look forward to working with all our members, partners and stakeholders to deliver it.”

By setting out a clear roadmap for the next two years, the Chamber aims to position the region as a hub of innovation, sustainability and opportunity, ensuring businesses and residents can thrive together.

North East mayor Kim McGuinness added: “This plan makes crystal clear that businesses believe green jobs are vital to our region’s success.

“That’s why I’m backing our green energy sector, and that’s already paying off.

“We’re securing billions of pounds of investment, with new factories, thousands of good jobs for local people and training opportunities for our workforce.

“I will continue to work with the Chamber and local businesses to make the North East the English home of green energy.”

Tees Valley mayor Ben Houchen added: “Our businesses are the beating heart of our local economy, playing a vital role in creating jobs, improving skills and powering growth.

“It’s essential that their voices are heard in helping shape the policies that will drive our region forward and deliver the prosperity that our local communities deserve.

“It is important we now work together to further unlock the outstanding potential of Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool and the wider region – and establish it as the number one location for growth and investment.”

To download the Chamber’s policy plan, Unlocking the North East Economy, click here.

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