When I heard George Osborne propose that a high speed rail link between Manchester and Leeds could help to create a “northern global powerhouse” I was delighted.
The chancellor said he believed that improving the road and rail links would allow cities across northern England from Liverpool to Hull take on the world as London did. I welcomed this news for this can only lead to positive outcomes; job creation, growth, quicker journey times. There was just one but…
I couldn’t see the North East mentioned anywhere in Osborne’s proposals; how disheartening to ignore our region and the NECC have said the government must realise that the north is more than just Yorkshire. The north does not stop at Leeds.
Why must we repeatedly keep reminding the south that this region is successful, especially when it comes to opening up foreign markets…it is no secret that the North East leads the way in exports and it is one of the reasons why we should not be neglected in the super high speed transport link developments.
The Institute of Directors (IoD) recently conducted a survey which highlighted that improved transport links were the number one priority for bosses across the North East and Osborne’s speech has to be more than just an announcement; the chancellor’s words must have calls to action.
Likewise businesses up and down the country, regardless of location must continue to invest in opportunities and innovation if they are to survive in this fast paced world.
If we are to keep up and ensure that UK businesses are kept on the map then we must invest now; businesses need to look into all the opportunities that are currently on offer.
Here at the North East Business and Innovation Centre (BIC) we have done much to encourage growth initially by developing our facility just off the A19 to ensure it is easily accessible from all areas of the region to developing programmes such as the SME Innovation Programme and Interim Sales Director.
I was also particularly delighted when we extended a programme which is designed to share best practice and encourage new entrepreneurs to explore international markets. Particularly as it not only helps sustain growth but also highlight the array of successful businesses located here in the North East.
The debate over transport networks will continue to rage on and I for one will certainly be watching this news closely.