Mayors tap into spirit of the run in new initiative

NORTHERN mayors are hoping to harness the spirit of the Great North Run for a plan to boost the region’s economy by billions of pounds.

- GRAEME WHITFIELD and DANIEL HOLLAND

A ‘Great North’ movement has been launched to boost the regional economy by tackling skills shortages, economic inactivity, lack of transport links and poor housing.

Mayors from across the North led by the North East’s Kim McGuinness have come together to announce the Great North partnership that will lead international trade missions, host a Northern Investment Summit, and work on joint issues to bring jobs to the North of England.

The idea, which has secured financial backing from the Government, was being launched at the UKREiiF property and investment conference in Leeds.