‘The North is a genuine economic unit in its own right’ – MP launches State of the Region publication
The findings of a six month in-depth project examining how individual business sectors have driven the Northern economy to attract investment and bolster prosperous regions has been published.
The State of the Region campaign, run by TheBusinessDesk.com in partnership with Squire Patton Boggs and KPMG, featured a series of insights into six sectors in the north: retail, technology, construction/real estate, energy, manufacturing and financial services.
There were several events and roundtables hosted part of the project, including a seminar at which Leeds City Council Leader Councillor Judith Blake and Drax Power CEO Andy Koss spoke about the north’s strengths. In Manchester, Northern Powerhouse Minister Jake Berry MP also spoke, alongside Chris Oglesby, CEO of Bruntwood.
Jake Berry MP also provded the forewword for the publication, stating: The North is a genuine economic unit in its own right and I am proud to not only represent the North as an MP but as
the Minister for the Northern Powerhouse and Local Growth. Since the announcement of the government’s Northern Powerhouse initiative in 2014, the North has seen inward investment increase
faster than the UK average.
“On its own, it has an economy equivalent to the ninth largest in Europe. For me, building a Northern Powerhouse is about boosting local economies through investing in skills, innovation, transport and culture, as well as devolving significant powers and budgets to directly elected mayors to ensure decisions that affect the North are made by the North for the people who live and work here.”
He added: “There are undoubtedly still areas for improvement within the region, too. The report also looks at the challenges for the North, both in general and over the course of 2019. Infrastructure, education
and training, and retaining skills need to remain areas of focus, if the North is to build on its strong economy and help businesses seize the opportunities presented to them.
“Through collaboration across and within industries, and between the private and public sector, we can continue to invest in, empower and grow the North. It is important that we continue to attract and
retain the best talent and ensure long-term sustainable increases in productivity and growth in the North for generations to come.”
Expert analysis and commentary, as well as interviews with leading firms in Yorkshire and the North West, featured throughout the campaign, which can be read in full by downloading the full report.
