Half of Northerners have heard of the Northern Powerhouse
A NEW poll shows that around half of northerners have heard of the Northern Powerhouse and that investment in transport and skills seen as its two biggest priorities.
Awareness of the Northern Powerhouse is about 50:50 (51% yes, 49% no) and there was a correlation between awareness and positivity, according to the poll from Ipsos Mori North and commissioned by the UK Northern Powerhouse International Conference and Exhibition.
More than 80% of respondents stated that ‘investing in training to develop skills of the local workforce’ and ‘transport infrastructure investment within the North’ were the two most important issues.
Meanwhile, 70% of respondents thought investment in transport links between London and the North is important, indicating that local people would prioritise investment between northern cities before further investment between the north and south.
Around three quarters thought that ‘local control over setting business rates’ (75%), ‘attracting foreign investment, which will bring new money to the North’ (74%) and ‘local autonomy over planning policy/decisions, which could give local areas more control over undeveloped land’ (76%) are also important.
Keith Griffiths, co-organiser of the UK Northern Powerhouse International Conference & Exhibition, said: “This new research from Ipsos Mori North sheds some much needed light on Northern people’s views on the Northern Powerhouse and where people believe government investment should be focussed.
“We hope this will provide food for thought for delegates and speakers at the UK Northern Powerhouse International Conference & Exhibition in February.”
Supported by all the major LEPs, as well as the chief executives of major national businesses and international trade delegations, the UK Northern Powerhouse International Conference & Exhibition event will feature talks and interactive sessions from senior representatives from sectors as diverse as retail, transport, logistics, property, tech, energy and finance.
Moderated by BBC broadcaster John Humphrys, the conference will include a host of speakers including keynote speaker Lord Jim O’Neill, Lord Prescott, Sarah Green, director of regions and nations at CBI, and Piers Linney, co-chief executive of Outsourcery PLC and former BBC TV Dragon`s Den star.
For more information or to book tickets to the UK Northern Powerhouse International Conference and Exhibition (25-26 February 2016) visit www.uk-northern-powerhouse.co.uk.
