Partner Article

NECC calls for more involvement in UK Growth strategy

The North East Chamber of Commerce (NECC) is calling on the government to recognise how the North East could contribute to its economic growth strategy.

While the 13-page document applauds government attempts to improve the whole of the UK economy, it also illustrates how it could be rebalanced without further burdening the South East.

They also ask David Cameron to make stronger commitments to improving North East infrastructure to ensure that genuine change can be sustained.

Transport is also a key focus for the NECC, who reiterated the need for improvement to strategic road connections in the region, as well as a reduction in Air Passenger Duty, both of which could attract businesses to the North East.

John Mowbray, NECC president believes the proposed changes could allow the North East to make a far greater contribution to the national GDP.

He commented: “What the NECC Growth Review submission illustrates is that there is a real opportunity to address one key area of Government policy – to re-balance the economy – by delivering a much more strategically intelligent programme of targeted investment in key areas.

“Getting the infrastructure right will significantly increase the appeal of areas like the North East for companies looking to invest.”

The NECC proposal also included changes to National Grid transmission charges, which are far higher in the North East than in areas of the South.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .