Wates boss calls for devolution clarity
As the North Midlands pushes on with plans to secure a devolution deal in the East Midlands, the contracting partner on the East Midlands Property Alliance provincial procurement framework is calling for greater collaboration to unlock the “true potential” of the package of devolved powers that could be up for grabs.
Managing director of Wates Construction Midlands & North, Phil Harrison, has lived in the East Midlands for 25 years and is based out of Wates’ Lockington office in Derby.
He said: “Devolution presents an exciting opportunity for the East Midlands to move towards a national agenda. However, the collaborative strength by which it is embraced will directly impact the degree of power it will yield to the region. Greater connectivity will equal greater investment and influence.
“At the moment, the level of participation in the North Midlands bid offers a somewhat weaker outlook than the potential deal that this great region could bring to George Osborne’s table.
“There is an understandable desire to safeguard local area identity, which is very respectable. It will always be incredibly important to celebrate uniqueness and capitalise on those elements that make our distinctive geographies so special. But let us also embrace our commonalities and join together to compete on a national scale.
“I have lived and worked in the East Midlands for a quarter of a century and more importantly, I have chosen to be here because of the fantastic live / work environment the region offers. I’m not the only one either. Global giant, Toyota, selected Burnaston in Derbyshire for its vehicle manufacturing plant when it could have gone anywhere in Europe. It did so because of the region’s engineering prowess, our educated workforce and our academic record. Manufacturers, Rolls Royce and Bombardier, remain here for the same reasons.
“I can’t help but feel we’re missing a trick by failing to set aside our individual concerns, and our determination to protect and preserve the local agenda, for the chance of a greater prize. Devolution will ultimately be brought to the East Midlands but in the present guise it could fail to achieve its full potential. Let’s come together as one wholly united region and show the rest of the UK what we’re really made of.”
