Minister urges businesses to pull togther

NORTH West minister Beverley Hughes is urging businesses to pull together and help protect the region from the impending recession.

Beverley Hughes said that the government is doing everything possible to protect jobs and homes, support companies and stimulate the economy, and added that by pulling together the worst effects of the downturn can be avoided or mitigated.

The Minister said the measures set out in the Pre-Budget Report and by legislation in the Queen’s Speech offered real help now and in the future so that the region can emerge stronger from the current downturn.

She has also set up and chairs the Joint Economic Commission (JEC) for the North West to monitor the region’s economic performance.

Mrs Hughes said: “As Minister for the North West it’s my job to do everything in my power to assist our region, be a voice in Whitehall and make sure that central government knows what the public, the business community and third sector organisations in the North West need to get by.

“I have set up the commission to bring together public sector agencies, the third sector and regional business representatives to consider how regional partners can work together most effectively to respond to current economic changes and identify opportunities going forward.

“The most recent meeting was extremely constructive and we agreed some key actions which are now being taken forward. I hope to be able to make further announcements about these measures early in the New Year.”