Northern mayors join forces to boost jobs and prosperity
The Great North has been unveiled at an event in Leeds, bringing together mayors and regional leaders to unlock the economic potential of the north in key sectors such as clean energy, defence, advanced manufacturing, and creative industries.
The new body is chaired by North East mayor Kim McGuinness and has been backed by the government, with deputy prime minister Angela Rayner endorsing the organisation.
It aims to lead international trade missions on pan-northern investment propositions and host a new Northern Investment Summit to champion the opportunities and potential of the north’s 15 million people.
Opportunities identified by the mayors include an energy coast proposition down the east coast to power the clean energy revolution, a northern security corridor reaching down from Cumbria and the North East through Lancashire, and advanced materials and manufacturing corridors bringing together Yorkshire and Greater Manchester.
A new report by The Great North reveals that the north could add £118 billion to the UK economy with the right investments.
The Great North will also support the development of its creative industries and cultural sector through One Creative North, a partnership spanning the region.
The initiative aims to provide the finance, skills and connectivity needed for the creative industries in the North to grow, draw international investment and tourism, and contribute to employment and economic development.
Ms McGuinness said: “The time has come for a resurgent north to unite and proudly lead the way to a fairer more prosperous UK, and The Great North is our vehicle for change.
“This country needs a northern story written by northern minds, not one handed to us by Whitehall, and this Great North partnership puts us on track to write it.”
Deputy prime minister and secretary of state for housing, communities and local government Angela Rayner said: “We are taking action to shift power out of Whitehall and into our communities, giving local leaders the tools they need to realise their areas’ potential.
“Initiatives like The Great North are critical to this – putting directly elected mayors front and centre of exciting plans for regional collaboration, in the places they know better than anyone else, building stronger and happier communities in the process.”
West Yorkshire mayor Tracy Brabin said: “For too long, creative talent has had to leave to achieve, but we’re turning the tide with the launch of One Creative North.
“Backed by the powers and funding of devolution, we are working together in the spirit of collaboration to join up our creative industries, turbocharging growth, skills and good jobs.”
Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham said: “The need for the North of England to speak with a strong, collective voice has never been greater.
“Devolution is enabling us to deliver better public services and better value for money for taxpayers.”
Liverpool City Region mayor Steve Rotheram said: “Devolution has given us the freedom to move beyond the outdated ‘Whitehall knows best’ mentality which, for too long, held our communities back.
“The North is home to many different accents but now we are speaking with a single, unified voice – to attract investment, open up opportunities, and showcase the very best of what our regions have to offer.”
Tees Valley mayor Ben Houchen said: “Despite being of different political parties we have a track record of delivery and joining forces to bang the drum for the north will help drive even more global investment to our region.
“The Great North is a great brand and now we need to make sure it’s not just a logo but something that brings investment and jobs for the people of Teesside, Darlington, and Hartlepool.”
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Sir Brendan Foster CBE, Founder of the Great North Run, said: “The Great North Run grew from an idea in 1981 to become the first mass participation event in the World to reach one million finishers, thus achieving national and international fame.
“We are excited that the ‘Great North’ brand as an identity of people and place is to be used as a mark of excellence and enthusiasm by the Metro mayors of the North of England.
“We will support them as they aim to make the ‘Great North’ a place of opportunity by campaigning for their fair share from government, business, and tourism.”