PM urged to give region more 'than just another slogan'

A NORTH East business leader has urged the Prime Minister to ensure that the latest attempt to boost the region’s economy is “not just another slogan”.

- GRAEME WHITFIELD

North East Chamber of Commerce chief executive John McCabe put a question to Sir Keir Starmer at the British Chambers of Commerce event in London on the recently-launched ‘Great North’ strategy, which is hoped will boost jobs and livelihoods in the region.

The project was launched last month with North East mayor Kim McGuinness and Great North Run founder Sir Brendan Foster with the aim of harnessing the world-leading half marathon’s brand to sell the region on the global stage.

But after many similar events to boost the region’s economy - including the Northern Powerhouse and levelling up - there are fears that the Great North project could become another talking shop that achieves little. Addressing that fear, Mr McCabe said: “Chambers of Commerce across the North came together recently to welcome the Great North initiative that our respective metro mayors came together to launch.

“I wonder if we can have your thoughts on how together we can ensure that’s not just another slogan, it's a meaningful strategy that will deliver and drive economic growth across the North.”