Chamber report highlights power of people

A North East business membership organisation has published a new report highlighting the role people must play in driving regional economic growth.

The North East Chamber of Commerce has released its People of the North East report, developed in collaboration with members to show how organisations are placing people at the heart of decision-making.

The report features examples from businesses and industry experts across sectors including recruitment, housing and digital, with a focus on creating healthier, happier and more inclusive places to live and work.

It also aligns with the Chamber’s Unlocking the North East Economy policy plan, which sets out priorities including quality jobs, net-zero, connectivity, trade, wellbeing and inclusive growth.

The report explores how employers are adopting flexible business models and inclusive hiring practices to unlock untapped potential, improve workplace culture and strengthen business performance.

Lee Eckert, senior operations manager at ArvatoConnect, a digital transformation and business process outsourcing (BPO) company which has an office in Newcastle, said: “Digital transformation often sparks concerns about jobs being replaced by machines. 

“In reality, the most effective transformations are those that put employees at the centre.

“It’s about creating opportunities for people to live better lives, whether that’s through faster access to services, a more inclusive workforce or communities that feel supported rather than excluded by technology.”

Sam Spoors, founder and managing director at award-winning human resources and talent consulting firm Talentheads, which is based in Morpeth, in Northumberland, adde: “The North East’s future prosperity depends on more than economic growth – it hinges on how businesses support their people.

“Through inclusive hiring, flexible work, wellbeing strategies, skills development and purpose-led cultures, regional employers are setting a powerful example.

“These innovative practices are not just good for business – they are helping to reshape the region’s identity and build a more equitable and resilient workforce.”

The Chamber is also calling for action from policymakers to ensure everyone in the region can reach their full potential.

Its wider work includes the Local Skills Improvement Plan, an Inclusive Recruitment Toolkit and an upcoming work experience and onboarding toolkit.

Tim Marsden, knowledge manager at North East Chamber of Commerce, added: “The North East’s greatest strength has always been its people. 

“Across every sector and community, we see individuals and organisations driving innovation and creating opportunities for future generations.

“This report highlights both the opportunities and challenges facing our region. 

“While we know there is fantastic talent, creativity and ambition here, we also recognise the barriers that still exist around economic inactivity, skills gaps, health inequalities and access to opportunity.

“As the economy continues to change at pace, one thing is clear: the future success of the North East will be shaped not only by investment and infrastructure, but by how well businesses support people, communities and opportunities.

“The Chamber is proud to champion these stories and the organisations behind them. 

“By aligning business practice with the region’s needs, the future of the North East will be built by businesses that invest in people, act with purpose and recognise that prosperity is strongest when it is shared.”

 To view the People of the North East report, click here.

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