A key regional business group has set out a list of priorities spanning job creation, health and connectivity and other key areas in a new two year plan.
The North East Chamber of Commerce has launched its 2025-27 policy plan: Unlocking the North East economy, which it says reflects the opportunities and challenges facing the region. The report outlines six headline ambitions including encouraging the creation of quality jobs and investment, capitalise on net zero efforts, improving the region's digital and physical connectivity, championing its overseas trading, creating a healthier and happier workforce and driving equity, diversity and inclusion.
The 28-page document was launched at an event at Middlesbrough's Riverside Stadium and includes reference to how the Chamber will work towards the ambitions itself, from lobbying for apprenticeship reforms and digital skills investment to championing the benefits of workplace wellbeing. It is also intended to tell policymakers where the Chamber believes they can provide the right environment for businesses and communities to "drive growth, create high-quality jobs and build a fairer future".
North East Mayor Kim McGuinness said: "This plan makes crystal clear that businesses believe green jobs are vital to our region’s success. That’s why I’m backing our green energy sector, and that’s already paying off. We’re securing billions of pounds of investment, with new factories, thousands of good jobs for local people and training opportunities for our workforce. I will continue to work with the Chamber and local businesses to make the North East the English home of green energy."
Among the key points raised in the report is a desire to see reforms to the Apprenticeship Levy to allow employers to use funds more flexibly, on shorter, accredited training courses, retraining older workers or by pooling resources locally - and to extend the expiry window to reduce waste. The group says it will also continue to campaign for regional transport projects its says will pay a "national dividend" including the Leamside Line and the Washington Metro Loop, as well as Darlington, Eaglescliffe and Teesside Airport station upgrades.
John McCabe, chief executive of the Chamber, added: “The North East offers a rare blend of business opportunities, affordability, cultural richness, passionate and skilled people and natural beauty. Written in conjunction with our members, Unlocking the North East Economy articulates the Chamber’s advocacy focus for the next two years.
"It underscores our region’s ambition and provides a unified call to action for meaningful change. We look forward to working with all our members, partners and stakeholders to deliver it."
Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “Our businesses are the beating heart of our local economy, playing a vital role in creating jobs, improving skills and powering growth. It’s essential that their voices are heard in helping shape the policies that will drive our region forward and deliver the prosperity that our local communities deserve. It is important we now work together to further unlock the outstanding potential of Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool and the wider region – and establish it as the number one location for growth and investment."
The policy plan has been created with the input of the Chamber's near 2,000-strong membership, who represent about 40% of the region's workforce.
