Industry leaders unite to drive forward Northern agenda

A GROUP of senior industry leaders backed by the CBI will meet today for the first time.

The group, dubbed Business North, will provide ideas, challenge and support the Northern Powerhouse agenda.

One of its first missions is to discuss and challenge the newly-created Transport for the North proposals.

Speakers at the group’s first meeting will include CBI director-general Carolyn Fairbairn; Chris Hearld, KPMG regional chairman; Ed Cox; IPPR North director, David Brown; Transport for the North chief executive and Vivian Hunt, McKinsey managing partner, UK & Ireland.

Carolyn Fairbairn, CBI director-general, will say:”Whether it’s the Nissan plant in Sunderland producing more cars than the whole of Italy, a super-port in Liverpool attracting more than £1bn of investment or Manchester launching the first direct flights to China outside London – the North is home to many exciting developments.

“With the Government’s devolution agenda opening up many new possibilities, business has both the enthusiasm and the capability to engage with government at all levels to ensure that the voice of business is heard and acted on.

“Tackling weak transport links and ensuring young people have access to the education and training they need to succeed are just two of the essential conditions to unlock economic growth far beyond London.

“The aim is to identify the issues that make the biggest difference to growth and productivity and remain focussed on addressing them.”

Chris Hearld, KPMG Northern chairman, said: “The formation of Business North now demonstrates the appetite of corporate leaders to speak with one voice at the heart of the debate about maximising the north’s economic potential.

“It’s pleasing to be part of a business community taking the initiative to collaborate across the patch, engaging with the government and beyond to secure the prize of a business-led resurgence of economic growth, to the benefit of the wider UK economy.”

David Brown, Transport for the North chief executive, said: “Central to the Northern Powerhouse vision is transforming the north’s transport connectivity to create a unified, single economy.

“Strong, fruitful engagement with the private sector is essential for Transport for the North in order for us to deliver on our ambitious vision.

“I’m delighted to be involved in the first meeting of Business North, a collaboration which allows business leaders to join together in making the case to Government for sustained investment in transport infrastructure.”

Read next: Renew goes nuclear with latest acquisition…