Strong Support for Nick’s Work for the Region
As part of the Government’s drive for greater regional accountability, a Regional Select Committee of MPs for the North East has recently been established. As part of their first meeting in Gateshead today, they quizzed regional business leaders on the Government’s response to the economic downturn. There was strong support for Nick’s work as Regional Minister.
Andrew Sugden of the North East Chamber of Commerce said: “Certainly, people who are focused on the business environment at the moment have been very much on the front foot in the current crisis. We have seen, in the Regional Minister, somebody who is very clearly an advocate for the region and is very passionate about it.”
Tony Sarginson of the Engineering Employers Federation said: “For me, the Regional Minister has been refreshing and great; we got a lot of value out of the sectoral meetings and so on and the Minster, through his energy and when he has gone away, has definitely solved some issues and knocked heads together.”
Sarah Green of CBI North East said: “I reiterate the points about it being very important to the region, particularly during this period, to have a very strong voice through the Regional Minister; we really appreciate that.”
You can read the full transcript of the first session here.