Wednesday 18 May 2016

Widespread delight at agreement to the Devolution deal - this is good news!

I have long argued for a regional Mayor for the North East. This will now go ahead in May 2017. But don't take my word for it - here is what the regions biggest business organisation says:


James Ramsbotham, Chief Executive, North East Chamber of Commerce said: “It is very positive to see the North East Combined Authority pressing ahead with a devolution deal,  just as the Tees Valley is.   The North East has huge assets including our export record, energy expertise and world class sectors such as subsea and automotive.  Our economy, however, is still performing below its potential and it is clear we need to do things differently. Devolution is an important part of that.
“This deal will allow us to tailor policies in areas like skills and infrastructure investment to the economic condition of the North East.  We need to harness all the expertise in the region to make a success of this, and we will be working with our elected representatives in the months ahead to ensure the business community can make a strong and positive contribution.”