BUT IT CANNOT BE 'JUST A LOGO', WARNS HOUCHEN

A PARTNERSHIP which aims to unlock a new era of jobs, opportunity and prosperity for the north was launched yesterday.

- By DANIEL HODGSON

The Great North initiative was unveiled in Leeds, with Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen and Metro mayors from across the north of England gathered at the launch.

Headed up by Labour Mayor Kim McGuinness, who leads the North East Combined Authority, consisting of seven constituent councils from County Durham up to Northumberland, the event brought together regional mayors and local leaders.

The aim of The Great North is to unlock the north’s economic potential in key sectors including clean energy, defence and advanced manufacturing, and creative industries.

Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner has endorsed the organisation, which is set to lead international trade missions on pan-northern investment propositions and host a new Northern Investment Summit to champion opportunity and potential of the north’s 15 million people.

Tees Valley Conservative Mayor Houchen has warned, however, that the new brand needs to be more than “just a logo”.