Uncategorized Archives - Page 2 of 7 - North East Local Enterprise Partnership

The past year has seen some changes here at the North East LEP. We’ve welcomed Andrew Hodgson as the new Chair and strengthened our Board with a number of new appointments. We enter 2016-17 with a dynamic and experienced team working, in partnership with the business community, towards our aim of creating 100,000 more and better jobs here in the North East by 2024.

2015-16 brought some real highlights for the region’s economy: in November we announced the creation of a second Enterprise Zone to boost manufacturing, export and innovation. We also helped to ensure that £120m of business support funding in the form of the JEREMIE fund remained under local control, to be used solely to support North East companies.

The number of people aged between 16 and 64 in employment in the North East is at an all-time high (70.6% in November 2015 – January 2016) and 1.2 million people in the region are now in work. This is the highest recorded figure.

These are just some of the successes which we’ve seen here in the area and we’re building on these achievements and moving forward with our implementation of the region’s Strategic Economic Plan, focusing on the key areas of business growth, innovation and skills.

You can read more about our work over the past year, and our ambitions for the next, in our annual review.

Helen Golightly, Chief Operating Officer

Four exceptional business leaders in some of the region’s most senior jobs will bring their business acumen and industry knowledge to the North East LEP as newly appointed board members.

The LEP is delighted to have appointed Heidi Mottram, chief executive of Northumbrian Water Group, Andrew Moffat, chief executive of the Port of Tyne, Farooq Hakim, North East regional director for BT and Mark Thompson, managing partner of Ryder Architecture, to its board.

They will all take up their new posts immediately, replacing out-going board members Paul Woolston, Gill Southern, Arnab Basu and Michael Bellamy.

The new board members will help guide the strategic direction of the North East LEP, making key decisions which will ensure the Strategic Economic Plan is effectively delivered in the region.

They have been appointed for their exceptional knowledge in key areas such as inward investment, infrastructure, IT and skills development and all are well connected to networks in academia, construction, business organisations, digital tech and design.

Andrew Hodgson, North East LEP Chair, said: “We have been able to appoint four outstanding business leaders to help oversee the strategic direction of the LEP at a crucial time in its evolution.

“Their industry experience will be invaluable in helping us deliver the aims set out in the Strategic Economic Plan, as is the passion Heidi, Andrew, Farooq and Mark all have for the North East and its economic future.

“We are fortunate to be able to welcome them onto the LEP board, having four outstanding business leaders to replace the exceptional businesspeople who recently left our board.

“I would like to thank Gill Southern, Michael Bellamy, Arnab Basu and Paul Woolston for the expertise they brought to the board and their sheer dedication in ensuring the LEP best supported North East business in everything it did.”

Heidi Mottram has been Chief Executive of Northumbrian Water Group since 2010. Under her leadership, Northumbrian Water has become one of the UK’s leading water companies, officially the only water firm on the World’s Most Ethical companies list six years in a row.

She said: “The North East is such a fantastic place to live, work and visit and to have the opportunity to help strengthen its economic growth, and to champion our region both nationally and globally, is a privilege. I am very much looking forward to working with my fellow LEP board members, and the wider business community, to strengthen our partnership and to ensure that we secure vital support to enable businesses and communities to flourish.”

Andrew Moffat has been CEO of the Port of Tyne for seven years, during which time the business has achieved growth and cultural change, winning the North East Business of the Year title in 2014 and recently awarded the status of Investors in People Champion. One of the UK’s major sea ports, the Port of Tyne makes a major contribution to the economy of the region, adding over £700m to the Gross Value Added of the North East and directly and indirectly supporting almost 1500 jobs.

He said: It will be a privilege to be part of the LEP Board, and help build upon the work that has been done to support the delivery of the strategic plan for the North East. I look forward to working with the Board and all of the LEP partners to help take advantage of the existing and forthcoming opportunities for economic growth, bringing investment and jobs for the region.”

Farooq is part of the BT leadership team with 20 years’ involvement in the delivery of complex business transformation programmes, holding a number of senior roles within BT.

“I am delighted to be joining the North East LEP to help achieve strong economic growth for our region.” he said.
Mark Thompson is managing partner of Ryder Architecture, where he is responsible for the strategic development of the highly successful design company with offices across the UK and a growing international portfolio from its recently established Hong Kong office.

“I’m delighted to join the North East LEP board at this exciting time. With Devolution at the fore this could be a defining period for the future prosperity of the region” said Mark.

Respected regional business leader Andrew Hodgson has been appointed the new chair of the North East LEP.

The chief executive of Tyneside-based Soil Machine Dynamics Limited (SMD) was elected chair at the LEP board meeting to succeed Paul Woolston, who stood down after five years at the helm of the organisation.

Andrew is a highly-respected leader in the subsea engineering industry, a recipient of three Queen’s Awards for Industry.

He is a former North East Business Executive of the Year, EY Entrepreneur of the Year, EEF’s UK Manufacturing Champion and was awarded an OBE for his work in Manufacturing and the North East economy.

SMD is recognised as one of the world’s leading manufacturers of remote intervention equipment, operating in some of the planet’s most hazardous environments.

Andrew’s appointment has been welcomed by the private and public sectors.

Andrew said: “It is a privilege to have the opportunity as the new North East LEP Chair to work with the public and private sectors to help grow the regional economy.

“The foundations are in place for this growth to continue thanks to the work of Paul Woolston and the team at the LEP in securing £1.5bn in funding to fuel new business growth and job creation.

“With all the opportunities that the devolution of powers from central Government will present the North East economy, we face a once in a generation opportunity to really transform our region. We must also ensure that the current momentum is not lost as we establish what devolution means to us.

“I’ve spent my career growing world class businesses both here in the North East and internationally. I will use my knowledge and that of the LEP board to create more and better jobs. We will make investments into the regional economy that will stimulate growth and allow us to seize these new opportunities.”

James Ramsbotham, North East Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive, said: “Andrew is a world-class business leader and his appointment as LEP Chair will ensure that business and its priorities are at the very heart of the LEP’s activities.”

Sarah Glendinning, Regional Director of the CBI, said: “Andrew’s appointment is excellent news for the region at a time when strong leadership and proven business acumen are needed to ensure we maximise the opportunities devolution presents us.”

Simon Hanson, Development Manager of FSB, said: “Paul Woolston did an outstanding job for the North East. The FSB is delighted that Andrew has stepped up to follow in his footsteps and continue to do the North East proud.”

Councillor Simon Henig, Chair of the North East Combined Authority and Leader of Durham County Council, said: “Paul Woolston has created a strong foundation for the North East economy to grow and I wholeheartedly support Andrew’s appointment to lead the LEP through the next phase. He has a deep understanding of the North East LEP from his time as vice-chair and is ideally placed to take the organisation forward.”

Paul Woolston, who has led the North East LEP since its formation nearly five years ago, is to leave his post together with several colleagues in a number of changes to the board.

Paul, a former senior partner at Price Waterhouse Coopers, has led the LEP board as chair since the organisation was created in 2011. He will formally leave his post as chair at the next LEP board meeting on January 28 when his replacement will be announced.

Under his successful leadership, the North East LEP has:

• Delivered the North East Independent Economic Review led by Lord Adonis. This allowed the LEP to formulate the Strategic Economic Plan setting out how to achieve the economic growth needed to deliver 100,000 new and better jobs over the next decade

• Secured £1.5bn in central Government and European funding to finance new economic growth

• Retained the crucial £120m JEREMIE 2 business support fund in the North East, to be invested exclusively into scores of new and growing North East companies

• Successfully bid for two Enterprise Zones covering a total of 20 sites across the region. The first zone has created more than 1,200 new jobs to date, with a lot more to come, and the second zone is anticipated to deliver a further 14,000 jobs.

• Appointed the North East’s first innovation director – acclaimed entrepreneur and business leader Hans Moller – to oversee the investment of £125m to support creativity and dynamism in the region’s growing business base

• Established effective public-private sector advisory boards to stimulate innovation, business growth and skills development

• Created the North East Growth Hub – the comprehensive online resource for business advice, funding information, networking, news and events.

Paul said now was the time to stand down from his post and make way for a new chair.

“The timing is right for a new chair to lead the North East LEP forward at an exciting time in its development and for the region,” said Paul.

“We are entering a new year with a devolution deal for the North East agreed with Government and the combined authority, which will mean a new role for the LEP.”

Three further business board members will also step down as part of the LEP’s plan to stagger its board member leaving and replacement process, keeping experienced members in place to support newcomers.

Businesswoman Gill Southern stepped down from the LEP board just before Christmas, while Michael Bellamy and Arnab Basu will also leave the board as soon as replacement members are recruited.

As part of a rotation of duties, Northumbria University Vice-Chancellor Andrew Wathey and Jon Vincent, Principal and Chief Executive of TyneMet College, have both recently been appointed to the board to replace Anne Isherwood and Peter Fidler.

Paul added: “I would like to thank our business board members who have all really made a difference to what the LEP does, as well as Edward Twiddy and Helen Golightly for their executive leadership.

“Their intellect, innovation and energy means we have been able to turn a great strategy into great decision-making for the North East economy.

“Strong business representation is crucial to the long-term success of the North East LEP and I would urge businesspeople to help shape the region’s future by applying for a place on the board.

“I am genuinely proud of what we have achieved. Initiating the Adonis Review enabled us to produce the Strategic Economic Plan for the region.

“It is absolutely transformational and it is being adopted and embedded in the region to drive future economic success.

“The North East LEP has attracted an enormous amount of funding, £1.5bn, which is being allocated now to implement the Strategic Economic Plan.

“Our challenge now as a region is to eliminate the persistent economic gap between ourselves and other regions of the UK.”

Andrew Hodgson, North East LEP Vice Chair, said: “Under Paul’s leadership, the North East LEP has secured significant funding from Europe and Government to underpin vital economic development.

“He has helped build and establish the LEP in a changing political landscape and worked hard with the most senior levels of Government to ensure the North East’s Strategic Economic Plan is understood and supported.”

Arnab Basu said “It has been a privilege to serve alongside Paul on the LEP board since its beginning. He has been a tireless champion of the north east and I wish him well in the future.

“After five years it is only right that we make way for others to carry the mantle forward. The North East has such a vibrant and thriving business community and I have no doubt the new members will have brighter, fresher ideas and contribute fully to the vital task carried out by the LEP. I will look forward to following their success with great interest.”

Gill said: “I will continue to be a strong advocate of the North East LEP’s activity and work hard to ensure North East business seizes the maximum benefits a new political landscape will present.”

Councillor Simon Henig, Chair of the North East Combined Authority and Leader of Durham County Council, said: “Paul has created a strong foundation for the North East to move into a new phase as we work towards proposed devolution and an elected Mayor.”

Businesspeople interested in applying for a board member post at the North East LEP should contact Jim Allcroft at NRG. Email: [email protected] or Tel: 0191 2604483.

ONS figures show 2.7 per cent increase in value of goods and services in LEP area

The North East Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) today welcomed the latest official figures showing economic growth across the LEP area.

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) Gross Value Added (GVA) data measures the increase in the value of the economy, based on the production of goods and services.

In the North East LEP area, total annual GVA increased by 2.7 per cent to £35.5 billion. The data, which refers to 2014, showed that although the growth rate dipped slightly from 3.4 per cent the previous year, it still remains strong with almost £1 billion added to the value of the economy.

In the past three years, North East is one of just four regions along with Yorkshire and The Humber, East of England and London to have recorded increasing growth in successive years.

When looked at in a broader context, the North East LEP area’s GVA has increased by 13 per cent since 2004 and by 34 per cent since 2008. The region has recovered well from the impacts of the recession since 2010 and the economy has grown by an average of three per cent year-on-year.

Overall, the North East LEP area accounts for three-quarters of the region’s GVA and is responsible for 2.2 per cent of the UK’s GVA.

GVA expansion in the LEP area was driven by Sunderland and Tyneside, which both recorded very strong growth rates. The biggest increase was in the distribution, transport and accommodation sector, which jumped by 10.1 per cent compared to the previous year to a value of £595 million, and accounts for 16.5 per cent of the area’s GVA.

There was 9.9 per cent or £256 million increase in business service activity, and the construction sector GVA grew by 7.1 per cent or £142 million. Real estate activities were up by 3.7 per cent or £136 million, and manufacturing by 1.9 per cent or £100 million. Production, including manufacturing, remains an important sector, contributing around 19 per cent of GVA in the LEP area.

However, there was a 3.4 per cent or £311 million fall in the public sector areas of public administration, education and health, which make up 27 per cent of the LEP area’s economy.

North East LEP chief economist, Chris Milne, said: “It’s encouraging that we’ve seen growth for the North East economy over the past few years, following the recessionary period.

“If we can sustain this growth, it will help us move towards our aims for more and better jobs for the region.
“We’ve seen strong growth in some of our key sectors, including those which support growth for the economy as a whole, such as business services and those that demonstrate investment is taking place, including construction. The shrinkage we’ve seen in the public sector has been more than compensated for by the growth of the private sector, which is excellent news.”

Nationally, London recorded the biggest increase in GVA in 2014 with growth of 5.3 per cent and Northern Ireland the lowest, at 1.9 per cent.

The ONS bases its calculations on income generated by individuals and businesses producing goods and services.
In the North East region as a whole, GVA per head was £18,216 compared to the UK average of £24,616 in 2014. Although GVA per head in the North East was relatively low, growth has outperformed a number of other UK regions over the past year.

Devolution is expected to bring with it more control and say over key issues for our economic growth such as transport, skills and business support, with £30m to be directed into these areas every year.

This spending power will be devolved to a new mayor, meaning the North East – and not Westminster – will decide where the money goes.
The deal was well received by the business community who will play a central role in driving it forward to maximise its impact on the regional economy.
It is vitally important for the North East that we do not lose the momentum we have generated in signing the deal.
We have to move forward now with the devolution of powers as we all agreed, to enable us to compete with other areas of the North and the wider UK who have agreed similar devolution deals and are now delivering on them.
We are clear that business needs to be at the very heart of the devolution of power and spending.

The world class acumen, knowledge and experience in the North East business community is a rich seam of talent which must be tapped into.
The North East LEP will continue to provide a strong voice for the business community and it is important that it is positioned so that the new mayor has access to a business-led resource with appropriate powers.

Our future focus on investment will include targeting four ‘smart specialisation areas’ where the North East boasts real industrial strength, creating competitive advantage in the global economy.

Low carbon industries, subsea and offshore, digital and creative and pharmaceuticals are sectors oozing talent, creativity and growth.
The North East’s strategic economic plan to deliver 100,000 more and better jobs sets an ambitious vision for the next decade.
We are delighted the Government is supporting our proposals to help make this happen with significant investment.
The recent Comprehensive Spending Review announced that we had been successful in our bid for a new North East Enterprise Zone, comprising 10 sites around our LEP area. This is only the start of funding packages and investment in place to help us grow the North East LEP area and make it a successful place in which to do business.

A high-powered delegation from Arab countries chose the North East and Tees Valley as the first ever English region to visit for a business fact-finding mission.

During the tour, companies, universities and business support organisations met Ambassadors and senior Diplomats from ten Arab countries, plus senior officials from the Arab League and the Arab-British Chamber of Commerce.

The envoys had never before visited an English region as a group, and were invited to spend a day seeing industry and research work at centres in Darlington, Durham and Newcastle.

Led by the most senior foreign diplomat in the UK, Ambassador Al-Duwaisan of Kuwait, the London-based visitors were briefed on the economic landscape and business opportunities throughout Tees Valley and the North East region.

They also were able to raise the Arab countries’ profile and boost trade links.

An online information hub called Arab Info North, which will signpost people in the North East of England to access information, research and trade support resources with the Arab countries, was launched during the tour.

The delegation visited Teesside University’s Darlington campus, where it was given a presentation on Tees Valley’s key industries and then went on to Darlington College to see the Centre for Subsea Technology Awareness, Training and Education (C-STATE).

This is a collaboration between Modus Subsea Interventions and the college, and is the first of its kind created to address the growing skills gap in the subsea engineering and service sectors. The party also heard about remote operated subsea vehicles.

Next on the itinerary was Durham University, where there was an exhibition in the Castle focusing on the work and achievements of the region’s universities. Durham University hosts the al-Sabah research programme on international relations.

The fact-finding mission concluded at the Institute of Transplantation at the Freeman Hospital in Newcastle, where the emphasis was on the North East’s world leading and innovative approach to healthcare, such as bio and nano-technology, and its centres of excellence for transplantation.

Stephen Catchpole, Managing Director of Tees Valley Unlimited, the Local Enterprise Partnership for Tees Valley, said: “The size, breadth and seniority of this high-powered delegation demonstrated the level of interest there was in forging trading links with Tees Valley and the wider region.

“The region is an essential cog in UK plc and it is vital that we establish relationships with markets worldwide that can benefit the economic wellbeing of Tees Valley and the North East.”

Bob Paton, Interim Chief Executive of the North East Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “This fact-finding mission afforded the opportunity to demonstrate the many strengths that the region has as a world-class business destination.

“Through the presentations, discussions and tours we have been able to build stronger relationships that will open new doors to attracting more foreign inward investment and also go give our home-grown companies and research and development organisations a bigger overseas platform.”

Businessman Aidan Stradling, one of the organisers of the visit, added “At a time when we seem to be getting nothing but bad news from Arab countries, it is good to focus on some of the opportunities and success stories, such as the al-Sabah research centre at Durham University, investment from Saudi company SABIC on Teesside, and the chance for our region’s top medical and scientific experts to work with partners in these countries.”

Since the introduction of the daily direct Emirates flights between Newcastle and Dubai in 2007, more than one million passengers and millions of pounds worth of freight have used the Middle East connection to link markets across Africa and Asia with North East England.

Dr Afnan Al-Shuaiby, Secretary General of the Arab-British Chamber of Commerce, said: “It is very interesting to come to the region because there’s a lot of work that needs to be done and there’s a lot of potential that we, as Arab countries, can benefit from. But, also, this region can benefit from the partnership with the Arab countries.

“I hope by the end of this visit that something fruitful will come out of it. We will definitely make sure that we are following up and we will see some good success stories.”

The delegation comprised the Ambassadors of Algeria, Kuwait, Mauritania, Libya, Oman, Qatar, Sudan, Tunisia, the United Arab Emirates, and Yemen, a Counsellor from Kuwait, the Secretary General of the Arab-British Chamber of Commerce, and Director and officials from the Arab League Office in London.

Future visits are planned as part of a legacy programme to build on the links that were forged during the visit.

The North East LEP has issued a final call for businesses to lead a major free advertising campaign to be shown to millions of passengers at Heathrow Airport.

The deadline to send images which they believe best represent the region as a place for business to invest, grow and prosper is midnight on Monday April 27 – with dozens of high quality photographs already submitted.

Organisers are delighted at the sectoral spread and quality of the images – from engineering and renewable energy, to further education and arts and culture.

The North East is the first of six British regions offered free advertising space normally worth £500,000 for adverts that will be seen across Heathrow Airport for six weeks from May 18.

The North East LEP will shortlist ten images for use in the campaign, featuring in a ten second video that will be used on digital platforms at Heathrow Airport in all terminals, prime poster locations at the airport and exhibition space in arrivals halls.

A final image will also be chosen to front the campaign and be used on two poster sites at Terminals 4 and 5.

Paul Woolston, North East LEP Chair, said: “We are delighted at the quality and breadth of North East business in the images sent to us which capture the depth of our business talent and we thank everyone who has taken the time to contact us.

“We are particularly keen to receive images which show the North East as the national leader it now is in innovation.

“Images of subsea, marine and advanced manufacturing, passenger vehicle manufacture, health and life sciences, creative, digital technology and software development are all sectors we excel in and we’d love to be able to showcase them to the world as well.”

Heathrow CEO John Holland-Kaye said: “As the UK’s only hub airport, Heathrow is our front door for global investors. I hope that by encouraging them to visit and invest in our great cities, we can help to grow and rebalance the British economy.”

Businesses in the North East are invited to submit photographs to show why there is every reason to invest in North East England via the LEP’s Twitter account twitter.com/northeastlep using the hashtag #openforbusiness or email using [email protected] with the subject headline #openforbusiness

For full competition terms and conditions visit www.northeastlep.co.uk

The deadline for entries is midnight on Monday April 27 with the campaign launching at Heathrow Airport on Monday May 18.

We’re asking North East businesses and organisations to come forward with images to show why the North East is the place for businesses to invest, grow and prosper.

Today we have launched a competition for the region’s businesses to be part of a six week advertising campaign at Heathrow Airport.

We are the first of six British regions to be offered free advertising space worth £500,000 – and we are asking local businesses the chance to be featured in the adverts that will be seen across Heathrow Airport from Monday 18 May.

Businesses from across the region are invited to submit images that represent the North East as the place to invest – its businesses, leaders and representatives, innovation and skills.

We will select ten images to use in the campaign, which includes a video that will be used on digital platforms across all Heathrow terminals. A final image will also be chosen to front the campaign and be used on two poster sites at terminal 4 and 5.

So submit your photos – preferably portrait format – via Twitter. Tweet @northeastlep using the hashtag #openforbusiness or email them to [email protected]. All submitted images will also be displayed on our Pinterest account. Full competition terms and conditions.

The deadline for entries is Monday 27 April with the campaign launching at Heathrow Airport on Monday 18 May.

Category: Uncategorized

Annual review 2015-16

New appointments add strength to North East LEP board

Leading businessman Andrew Hodgson new North East LEP chair

Paul Woolston to stand down as LEP Chair

North East LEP welcomes latest GVA growth data

Taking control of our own destiny in a new devolved future

Arab Ambassadors visit North East

Final call for business to front free Heathrow advertising campaign

North East LEP launches search for businesses to front free advertising campaign worth £500,000