Minister addresses Chamber 1815 Lunch

A North East business community recently gathered to discuss priorities in education and skills.

More than 200 senior business leaders attended the latest 1815 Lunch at Sunderland’s Stadium of Light last Friday (October 3), hosted by the North East Chamber of Commerce. 

The keynote speaker, the Rt Hon Bridget Phillipson MP, Secretary of State for Education and Minister for Women and Equalities, focused on the role of education and skills in driving long-term regional growth.

Ms Phillipson, the MP for Houghton and Sunderland South since 2010, who was born in Gateshead and attended St Robert of Newminster Catholic School, in Washington, outlined projections that the UK will need 900,000 new jobs by 2030 in key sectors including digital, clean energy and advanced manufacturing. 

She also confirmed the Government will soon publish two policy papers: a post-16 education and skills white paper to create a more cohesive, industry-aligned system, as well as a schools white paper outlining plans to raise attainment and drive excellence nationwide.

Reflecting on her North East roots and the values that shape the region, Ms Phillipson said: “When I think about home, I think about community. 

“I reflect on what that word means for all of us, not just as a proud Northerner, but as a proud member of this Government.  

“Because what we want to see as a Government is to grow strong communities across the North East and across our country. 

“Communities filled with optimism and opportunity.” 

She went on to add: “Skills are the route to prosperity for employees and for employers alike. 

“A skills system that works for young people is a skills system that works for business.” 

John McCabe, chief executive of the North East Chamber of Commerce, added: “Having the Education Secretary join our members for such an open discussion on skills, growth and opportunity underlines the value of regional voices in shaping national policy. 

“The themes we heard today – collaboration, investment and long-term planning – sit at the heart of our Unlocking the North East Economy policy plan and our work on the Local Skills Improvement Plans (LSIP) for both North of Tyne and Tees Valley. 

“Skills are the foundation for opportunity, prosperity and stronger communities, and our region stands ready to lead the way.” 

The 1815 Lunch provided a forum for business leaders to engage with Government priorities and explore how education, training and workforce development can support economic growth in the North East. 

NCFE sponsored the event, with Newcastle College supporting as associate sponsor for large businesses, reinforcing the link between education providers and regional employers.

The 1815 Lunch provided a forum for business leaders to engage with Government priorities and explore how education, training and workforce development can support economic growth in the North East. 

NCFE sponsored the event, with Newcastle College supporting as associate sponsor for large businesses, reinforcing the link between education providers and regional employers.

David Gallagher, chief executive of NCFE, added: “The pace of change in education, technology and the labour market is faster than ever, and we need an agile, responsive system that prepares people for the jobs of the future. 

“Partnerships between business and education are vital to ensuring that skills provision reflects real demand, and events like this provide the platform for that dialogue.” 

Deb Walton, Chamber president and chief financial officer at Palintest, added: “It was fantastic to welcome so many leaders to our 1815 Lunch and to hear directly from the Education Secretary about her ambitions for the North East. 

“The conversation reinforced what our members tell us every day, that skills are central to business success, growth and opportunity. 

“Bringing together employers, educators and policymakers in forums like this is exactly how we can turn those ambitions into action.” 

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