North East Combined Authority is Impact’s latest partner
Why has NECA decided to join The Northern Echo’s Impact campaign?
Promoting the region’s businesses and workers is what I’m elected to do as North East Mayor – so we can attract more investment and jobs, and create real opportunity for local people.
We have so much potential and I’m proud to work with The Northern Echo Impact campaign to champion our region.
What priorities do you think a business campaign like this should have?
The North East has a strong economic offer, steeped in our industrial heritage of making things and manufacturing.
We’re leading the way in many high tech, high skill industries such as offshore wind and battery technology, which are crucial not just to the economy but our country’s security and prosperity.
A major priority is making sure we’re telling this story to the world, whether it’s government or investors, because we can grow these sectors and playing a leading role in UK PLC. We’ve been quietly getting on with the job – now is the time to stand tall and shout about our achievements with pride.
How important is collaboration to the future ambitions of the region?
We won’t be able to create a stronger and fairer North East economy if we don’t work together.
When our region stands united behind a goal, we know we can deliver for local people and we have a strong, positive story to tell the world.
Tell us more about your role – what goals and ambitions do you have for the North East?
I was elected on a manifesto to create real opportunity, and I want to break down the barriers that hold local people and businesses back.
Because sadly, for too many people, the opportunities that have traditionally been created by government are out of reach, or out of sight and out of mind.
We have to change that so people can take advantage of the opportunities we’re creating – whether that’s through training, better public transport and encouraging the next generation to pursue a career in a high skill, high paid job where they live.
Too many people have to leave our region to pursue their dream career and that has to change – so we keep the best of our talent.
What are the biggest challenges you will face as the Mayor of the North East Combined Authority?
I have big ambitions for the North East and there is so much potential in our people and businesses.
We have limited resources at our disposal, and more will be coming our way from Westminster, however we will need to leverage every power at our disposal and harness all our collective skill to deliver for local people.
And that’s the crux for me – we have to make sure people feel the benefit from the opportunities we’re creating, and they can see and feel that change.
Do you think the mayoral structure is the way forward for all regions?
Absolutely. For too long, we’ve been out of sight and out of mind – we’re the region furthest from Westminster and it showed.
Devolution and the new generation of mayors is changing that, so we can take control of our destiny and deliver on the priorities that matter to local people and businesses.
We’ve made a great start here in the North East and we’ve got exciting days ahead of us.
The Northern Echo’s Impact campaign for investment and jobs is now in its fourth year, working alongside some of the region’s leading business organisations to spotlight success stories across the North East and rally support for changes local and nationally that can underpin the rebirth of the region.
Alongside the North East Combined Authority, Impact works with BP, believe housing, Cummins, Durham County Council, North East Chamber of Commerce, razorblue, Tees Valley Combined Authority and Teesside International Airport.
This year it was relaunched as Impact to highlight and drive economic, social, and environmental change.
The aim, through live events and continuous coverage online and in print, is to help businesses build a region where they can thrive, where communities are empowered, and sustainability, innovation and inclusivity are at the core of growth, leaving a lasting Impact for future generations.
At our next live event, an all-female panel will be at the Wilton Centre for a breakfast discussion on March 28th
Inspiring Women: How to Break the Mould and Thrive, will give a chance for our audience to hear business leaders share their insights, experiences, and advice on navigating and excelling in industry and highlight the resilience, ambition, and innovation shaping the region’s female-led success stories.
Whether you’re a young professional looking for guidance, an aspiring entrepreneur, or simply keen to hear from those breaking barriers, join us for a live discussion on what it takes to thrive.
To reserve your seat, go to bit.ly/IMPACTwilton and click the button on the right with the number of places you want.