Leaders say overcoming historic divisions within the North-East can help the whole region thrive
FEATURE
Positive – Womble Bond Dickinson partner Peter Snaith says more work is needed to change perceptions and highlight the region’ s potential.
Leaders say overcoming historic divisions within the North-East can help the whole region thrive
UNITED
Business leaders across the North- East have called for a united front to drive growth and investment in the region.
At a dinner hosted by international law firm Womble Bond Dickinson, representatives from various sectors gathered to discuss the importance of collaboration and unity in overcoming regional rivalries and promoting economic development.
Peter Snaith, partner in Womble Bond Dickinson’ s commercial team and head of the firm’ s manufacturing sector group, emphasised the need for a cohesive approach.
He said:“ We know international inward investors from countries like the USA, Saudi Arabia, South Korea and elsewhere see the North-East as one region. People across the region must do the same.
“ When we don’ t, we appear smaller than we already appear when compared to other parts of the UK who compete with us for government support and investment. There is growing recognition of the need for us to unite and work together to ensure we all prosper.”
The meeting highlighted the longstanding rivalry between the northern and southern parts of the region, which often extends beyond sport and into local politics and business.
However, there has been a notable change of heart recently, with regional stakeholders increasingly acknowledging that collaboration can unlock opportunities for growth and development more quickly.
One attendee noted:“ One of our strap lines is‘ together we are stronger’ and by that we mean we collaborate with
WE STAND
Further efforts are needed to change perceptions and demonstrate the region’ s potential.
all those who want to work together in partnership.
“ It’ s natural to want to lean towards your own area, but if we can work together for the whole region then collectively, we could all benefit.”
Peter added:“ The creation of the North East Combined Authority( NECA) is a big step forward, but it will rightly seem odd to many that the North-East does not include Teesside in some quarters.
“ This distinction must be used as little as possible, and only when indispensable to delineate the activities of one combined authority or another. The two authorities must find ways to work together.
“ Devolution can deliver huge benefits, but it is the responsibility of everyone who lives and works in the North-East to improve how we promote the area. We need a unifying brand for Team North- East.”
Business leaders also discussed the need to better promote the investment opportunities across the North-East, promoting the region as a whole, not just separate entities, as well as to improve understanding of the region’ s unique industrial capabilities and support the government’ s new industrial strategy.
Peter said:“ The growing presence of government officials at the Economic Campus in Darlington is a positive step, but further efforts are needed to change perceptions and demonstrate the region’ s potential.
“ Only by working together and engaging with the powers that be in a constructive and compelling way do we stand a chance of changing perceptions that the North-East is a horse worth backing.”
Another attendee added:“ The region already has a beat – many are transversing day to day for work and leisure. We need to capture this beat and bring in those who don’ t and can’ t see it – slowly connecting them, collaborating not just through businesses but through the likes of transport, education and shared skills programmes, for example.
“ We are trying to go from a local to a regional rhythm and it needs a change, or we get the same music as ever.”
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