WEAR
WORDS
Sharon Appleby, head of business operations,
Sunderland Business Investment District (BID) Dan Makaveli, managing director, Media
Savvy CIC
Jon Chadwick, owner, Durham Distillery Lesley Stabler, office partner, Baldwins
Group
“The level of ambition in Sunderland is absolutely
palpable, and that is beginning to breed confidence,
resulting in more investment coming into the city. We
cannot afford to become complacent though, and we
do have to keep making the case strongly for the region
and for Sunderland in particular.
“The city is making a play for Future High Streets
funding, something that – as the lead at Sunderland
BID – absolutely fits with my agenda, and I really hope
that government doesn’t look past ours as a city that
will maximise the benefits this can bring.”
“We definitely don’t get our fair share of businesss
and investment. We have a lower Gross Value Added
than most of the UK, and despite having some world
class businesses we have lots of SMEs who need
more investment to make them more efficient and
productive.
“Prosperity and investment go hand-in-hand.
Durham and Wearside have great people, and
affordable business premises, but we need to get better
at promoting the area as a place to invest and do
business.”
Andy Bradley, centre director,
Bridges Shopping Centre
“Ongoing investment from central government will
always be essential for towns and cities to progress.
Sunderland, which sits in Wearside, is a partner of the
North East Combined Authority (NECA) and as a
result has a stronger voice when staking its claim for
funding.
“Nonetheless, any public sector funding always comes
with a strict funding criteria. Sunderland has recently
been boosted with a show of confidence from Legal
and General who have committed to invest over
£100m.
“This hasn’t just happened by chance, but is the result
of great leadership from Sunderland City Council and
its associated private sector business partners across
the wider city working together in an alliance to drive
our city forward.”
Sir David Bell, vice-chancellor and chief executive,
University of Sunderland
“The University of Sunderland is an institution that
always takes the initiative, whatever others do. As a
result, it has transformed its two campuses in the heart
of Sunderland.
“Working closely with the council and other partners,
the university has spent over £30m on infrastructure
in recent years, with plans for another £40m of
expenditure in the future.
“With a focus on high-quality, student-facing facilities,
a particular highlight has been sector-leading
investment in health sciences, including a new medical
school.”
50
Wear Business asked eight business
leaders: Does the Durham and Wear
region get a far crack of the whip when it
comes to North-East investment?
“As a long-term Sunderland resident, also owning
a Sunderland city-centre based business, it has
pained me to see neighbouring boroughs receive
millions more investment over the years.
“However, I do believe the North-East region as a
whole hasn't benefitted from anywhere near what
it deserves, and certainly hasn't proportionately
per head compared to some southern regions.
“We need more investment to boost, not only the
economy, but also some of the most marginalised
people and groups in our region.”
“I would consider there to be reasonable financial
support available to businesses across the whole
of the region, but what it comes down to is
whether or not they can secure the funding.
“Applying for the financing option that best fits
you and your business, knowing your numbers
and having a good business plan are key to
getting investment.
“Our team across the North-East is primed to
help Wear businesses ensure they’re investment-
ready.”
Ellen Thinnesen, chief executive, Education
Partnership North East
“It’s a fantastic time to be in Sunderland with the
collective ambition, vision and determination for
the regeneration of the city.
“Major investments and exciting developments
are already underway and are beginning to
transform the area. With three campuses across
the city, we are delighted to be a part of such a
thriving economy.”
John Mowbray OBE, chairman, University of
Sunderland; and Deputy Lieutenant of Tyne
and Wear
“An Institute for Public Policy Research report
last year showed the average transport spend in
London was £708 per head whereas in the North
it was £289 and that was the whole of the North.
“Some bits will be a lot higher and others a lot
lower than that.
“To prove my point, try public transport between
Durham and Sunderland to see how quickly (or
slowly), you can do it. Or spread your wings and
try to get to Middlesbrough.
“I can’t see that changing soon! PS, and PS And
that’s before HS2!"