NEWS
North East mayor Kim McGuinness ( right ) and Durham County Councill leader , Cllr Amanda Hopgood , attended UKREiiF in Leeds to promote the county .
COMMENT
FUELLING GROWTH
County Durham Investment Prospectus launched to ‘ key players ’ from across the globe
A
prospectus presenting 24 of County Durham ’ s most compelling investment opportunities has been launched to an international audience at a major trade conference .
Durham County Council launched the prospectus at the UK Real Estate Investment & Infrastructure Forum ( UKREiiF ) in Leeds .
It showcases a range of carefully curated investment opportunities across the county , from business ventures and cultural initiatives to housing regeneration projects .
Among the leading figures present at the launch were the council ’ s leader , Cllr Amanda Hopgood , and newly elected North East mayor , Kim McGuinness .
“ Our clarity of vision , support networks and natural assets make County Durham a fantastic place to invest ,” said Cllr Hopgood .
“ We have a £ 9bn economy and are home to more than half a million people .
“ We have a cutting-edge science park and world-class research capabilities , specialisms in advanced manufacturing , semiconductors , space , and life sciences , and a vibrant visitor and cultural scene .
“ And , crucially , we have the space to grow , with more than 300 hectares of new employment land and plans to deliver more than 25,000 new homes .
“ Underpinning all of that is our own track record of attracting and delivering significant capital investment .
“ Our new Investment Prospectus is fully aligned with our Inclusive Economic Strategy and gives us an invaluable tool when engaging with key partners and investors .
“ And UKREiiF was the perfect place to launch it , with more than 10,000 key players , influencers and decision-makers from the UK and international markets in attendance .
“ The diverse range of opportunities within the prospectus spans economic , cultural , placemaking , transportation , and renewable energy sectors .
“ These are projects that leverage our existing innovation and research ecosystem , and promote progress in advanced manufacturing , green energy , and cultural revitalisation .
“ The Investment Prospectus is designed to build upon these successes , serving as a strategic blueprint for investors keen to make their mark on our dynamic economic landscape .”
North East mayor Kim McGuinness added : “ I ’ m here to champion our region to the world and to create more jobs and opportunity for people .
“ Our great North East has so much to offer to investors and we are open for business . Durham offers a great range of opportunities which I am proud to support .”
EMPLOYMENT LAW UNDER A LABOUR GOVERNMENT
At the time of writing , it seems likely that there will be a Labour government from July 4 , and so this is a good time for employers to start looking closely at Labour ’ s plans to reform employment law .
The Labour Party has published a Green Paper on its plan to “ Make Work Pay ”, which contains its proposals for new employment rights for workers . The emphasis is on Day One rights for employees , which covers an immediate right to statutory sick pay , parental leave , and to bring unfair dismissal claims .
The protection against unfair dismissal has always been subject to a qualifying period , currently two years , and so this represents a radical change . The most recent version of the Green Paper does suggest that there will be some form of exemption for probationary periods , but this is still to be clarified .
Among other proposals , there are plans to abolish zero hours contracts , strengthen trade union rights , enhance family friendly rights , improve redundancy protection , and to give employees a statutory right to “ switch off ”.
Labour are committed to introduce many of these proposals in their first 100 days in office .
We were holding a free webinar on June 20 , to outline these proposals and give employers some initial guidance on how to prepare .
If you have missed the webinar by the time you read this article just drop us a line and we can provide you with a recording of it .
Paul Humble Greystone Legal
The magazine for Aycliffe Business Park | 5