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North East Local Enterprise Partnership reaction to ONS regional labour market statistics

The North East Local Enterprise Partnership’s (North East LEP) Senior Economist, Victoria Sutherland, has commented on today’s regional labour market statistics, released by the Office for National Statistics.

The data includes both the North East LEP and Tees Valley LEP areas and covers the period from December 2019 to February 2020.

“Today’s release relates to the quarter before the coronavirus restrictions were put in place which have started to significantly affect the North East economy. It provides useful insights into how our labour market was performing at the end of February

“Overall, the data for this quarter was encouraging, with employment having increased by 15,000 compared to the previous three months and unemployment having fallen by 7,000.  There was also a decline in the number of people that were economically inactive – a broad group that includes those who are not actively seeking work for a wide range of reasons, including full-time study, looking after family and home, disability and ill-health, and retirement – of 6,000.

“Over the last quarter, the North East was the English region that had the largest fall in the unemployment rate of those aged 16 and over of any English region.  It also had the joint highest increase in the employment rate for those aged 16 to 64.

“However, despite these gains, going into the current scenario the North East was the English region with the lowest employment rate and highest unemployment rate.

“Whilst today’s statistics are important, we recognise that the measures being taken in response to COVID-19 are having a significant impact on our economy with these numbers now representing the benchmark for our future recovery.

“The North East Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), CBI, North of Tyne and North East Combined Authorities have come together, with the support of industry, to form the North East COVID-19 Economic Response Group to provide maximum support for businesses in the immediate term and to plan for long-term economic recovery following the coronavirus outbreak and to ensure the region has strong and collaborative economic leadership as we work through the impacts of COVID-19.

“The immediate focus is on supporting businesses to remain operational, to keep people in employment and to work with partners to solve industry challenges.

“By co-ordinating one response to the current economic crisis, we will use one voice and our collective influence to reassure the North East public, deliver crucial interventions and lobby Government.

The North East Growth Hub is working hard to ensure businesses have access to all of the latest information, guidance and support regarding Covid_19. This can be viewed here: https://www.northeastgrowthhub.co.uk/toolkits/covid-19-coronavirus-toolkit

Business are also being asked to complete this short survey to help us understand what support is needed and feed this back to government: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/COVID19_Business_Survey

ENDS

Notes to editors

About the North East Local Enterprise Partnership (North East LEP)

The North East Local Enterprise Partnership (North East LEP) is a public, private, education and voluntary sector partnership that covers Durham, Gateshead, Newcastle, Northumberland, North Tyneside, South Tyneside and Sunderland local authority areas.

 

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The North East COVID-19 Economic Response Group: Solving challenges together

A North East COVID-19 Economic Response Group has launched to provide business resilience and get the region ready for recovery throughout the COVID-19 outbreak.

It has a five point plan in place. Alan Welby, Innovation Director at the North East Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), is leading the response in terms of mobilising partners to help problem solve.

Right now the North East COVID-19 Economic Response Group is working hard to marshal resources and bring our collective organisations together to support businesses and partners in the heat of a really challenging time for the nation and economy.

There are three ways in which we aim to particularly add value:

  • By helping organisations address their immediate challenges
  • By supporting frontline delivery and mobilising the incredible power of businesses to aid with that
  • By looking into the future and preparing for an economy that will be substantially different when we get back to a kind of normal

Getting the right information out to businesses is absolutely critical so they know what measures they can access and are able to navigate through a very turbulent time. We’re signposting to support on different business models, distance working and a variety of issues that COVID-19 is throwing up.

Particularly important is that we help companies do the right thing and look after staff, customers and suppliers in a really challenging environment.

Working together at scale

It’s an extremely stressful time for many business owners out there so we are trying to listen closely to people’s worries and fears and respond accordingly. Cascading national information down on a regional and local level is an important role in this and gives reassurance that everyone is working together at scale for the common good.

A lot of the activity I’ve been leading on has related to working with businesses to provide rapid solutions to some of the specific challenges faced by Government due to COVID-19. These include the provision of ventilators and PPE equipment as well as many other examples. We are trying to match make both nationally and regionally as equally the North East has issues specific to this geographical patch.

Part of this work involves mobilising various communities, such as those in digital and logistics, to build tools to help people communicate better and move equipment around more efficiently.

 

Published on the North East Growth Hub

Those wanting to know more and get involved can access the latest opportunities by visiting the Call Directory on the North East Growth Hub. There are over twenty published at the minute and there will no doubt be more to come. If you can help, please do as there are some big strategic issues that need to be addressed as early as possible.

Finally, as part of our ongoing dialogue with Government we continue to gather data to inform its work and interventions, and ours, which is why we continue to ask all businesses owners to complete this survey. Finding out what businesses need right now and sharing that intelligence is very important as you’d expect, so we welcome people engaging with us and encouraging others to do so too.

To stay up to date with progress, follow @northeastlep on Twitter or visit the North East COVID-19 Economic Response Group page. Lots of helpful support can also be found on the North East Growth Hub.

 

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Adapting to the new normal and readying for the recovery: In conversation with Councillor Iain Malcolm

Councillor Iain Malcolm, Chair of the North East Combined Authority, explains the importance of the North East COVID-19 Economic Response Group and his aspirations for its work now and in the future.

There has never been a more important time for a strategic approach to economic leadership as the North East business community strives to overcome the challenges created by COVID-19.

That’s why here at the North East Combined Authority, we have joined forces with the North of Tyne Combined Authority, CBI and North East Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), to ensure one coherent and consistent approach that will make the greatest impact in the shortest possible timeframe.

We recognise that everyone is having to adapt to a new normal and that it’s hard. In light of this, our immediate focus is on supporting businesses to remain operational, to keep people in employment and to work with partners to solve industry challenges.

Right now, the Group is working at pace to understand the challenges faced by the business community, which is why all partners have been circulating this survey. Please do complete it if you haven’t already as it will help us implement the right solutions and ensure we can signpost those in need to appropriate assistance.

We are also keen to gather data on any particular skills that may be in short supply, such as front line retail staff and drivers. Where this is the case, our goal is to connect organisations in need with available workforce so please do feed this information back.

Of course, there will come a time when restrictions start to ease and life starts to look more like the world we knew. We’re aware that the self-employed, business owners and management teams will face difficult decisions about precisely when and how to restart operations. Our intention is to have plenty of appropriate advice and support ready at that point. The North East COVID-19 Economic Response Group webpage is a good place to check for regular updates.

Finally, we know that the impact of Coronavirus extends way beyond the business world and is impacting people on a very human level. On behalf of the Group, I’d like to pass on condolences to all those who have been recently bereaved, as well as our best wishes to those who have family, friends or colleagues who are ill.

I’d also like to express our huge appreciation of the NHS and other front line workers. My personal thanks go to everyone living and working here in the North East for your solidarity, community spirit and forbearance.

 

ENDS

 

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North East SMEs invited to put forward solutions to global energy challenges

Businesses in the North East are being invited to put forward their solutions to global energy challenges, with funding and support on offer to help selected businesses take their ideas to the next stage of development.

The Energy Innovation Challenge is open for applications until 1 May 2020 and is supported by leading energy sector organisations from across the region.

David Lynch, Energy Innovation Partnership Manager at the North East Local Enterprise Partnership’s (North East LEP), explained: “Through the Energy Innovation Challenge we hope to support small and medium sized businesses in our region to take the lead in developing new ways of tackling some of the issues that are being faced around the world, such as the challenge of providing energy to homes and businesses while also reducing carbon emissions.”

The Energy Innovation Challenge is being backed by the North East Energy Catalyst – a new partnership which brings together organisations in the North East energy innovation, demonstration and delivery sectors.

A series of three challenges will run over the next year and a cohort of up to 10 successful businesses per challenge will be identified by an expert panel. The successful cohort will receive a programme of support to help them develop their solution and bring it to market.

Businesses will also have an opportunity to secure funding towards the development and commercialisation of their business, with Challenge partner Northstar Ventures offering £20k of investment, subject to eligibility, to 10 businesses. Participant SMEs with well-developed business cases will also be invited to submit matched grant applications for Local Growth Funding (LGF) of up to a further £20k.

David Lynch added: “This is an exciting opportunity for the region which demonstrates the added value of bringing partners together through the North East Energy Catalyst. The North East is built upon a legacy of innovation in power, from steam to electricity and now sustainable energy – we are a force to be reckoned with and now is the time to propel the North East onto the global energy stage.”

Businesses can find out how to enter the Energy Innovation Challenge at www.northeastlep.co.uk/the-plan/energy/north-east-energy-catalyst, or can email [email protected] to find out more.

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Notes to editors

North East Energy Catalyst
A ground-breaking partnership to unite the North East’s leading energy innovation, demonstration and delivery capabilities. Facilitated by the North East Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), North East Energy Catalyst partners are: Newcastle University; Durham University; Northumbria University; Zero Carbon Futures (a subsidiary of Gateshead College); Northern Powergrid; Northern Gas Networks; The Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult; The British Engines Group; Innovation SuperNetwork; Northumbrian Water; The North of Tyne Combined Authority; The North East Combined Authority.

About the North East Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP)

The North East Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) is a public, private, and education sector partnership that covers Durham, Gateshead, Newcastle, Northumberland, North Tyneside, South Tyneside and Sunderland local authority areas.

About the European Regional Development Fund
North East Energy Catalyst is part funded via the Innovation SuperNetwork by the European Regional Development which includes the Catalysing Innovation in North East Clusters project, which is receiving up to £1.24m of funding from the England European Regional Development Fund as part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020.

 

 

 

 

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In conversation with Sarah Glendinning, Regional Director, North East, CBI, about the North East COVID-19 Economic Response Group

The North East Local Enterprise Partnership, CBI, North of Tyne and North East Combined Authorities and other partner agencies have established an Economic and Business Response and Recovery Group to try and help businesses through this tough time and work for the best possible outcome on the other side.

The group will form the basis for the organisations to work together in efforts to coordinate appropriate support to local businesses in light of the immediate and long-term economic impacts of COVID-19.

This is an incredibly challenging time for the whole of the region, with immediate impact for our local businesses and employees.

The scale of these matters is immense and will require concentrated effort of our local organisations to seek to coordinate the promised national level support to address the immediate and long-term challenges arising from this crisis. Our focus this week has been on receiving and communicating the flow of national information out to the community.

We have done this through communications issued through our websites and social media. At this stage it is essential that we sequence our approach with the National Government responses to minimise confusion where possible. However, this is a rapidly evolving situation and we will continue to keep track of the national schemes as details emerge and consider what actions are then appropriate locally to ensure effective support for our local businesses.

The rapidly changing situation for many is a real concern, but we are here to offer any support and advice we can, and it is critical that the national level support, which will be forthcoming, is effectively targeted and accessed by local businesses.

We would suggest that people follow our social media or get in touch directly through the North East Growth Hub. We would like to thank businesses for their patience at this very challenging time and assure them we are here to help and will pass on any national guidance as soon as we are informed.

For more information about the North East COVID-19 Economic Response Group, please see here.

For the latest advice and guidance for businesses and employers on COVID-19, please visit www.northeastgrowthhub.co.uk. For one to one support on the latest support and funding available for businesses, please book an appointment with the Growth Hub Connect team.

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An introduction to the North East COVID-19 Economic Response Group

A North East COVID-19 Economic Response Group has launched to provide business resilience and get the region ready for recovery throughout the COVID-19 outbreak.

Here Helen Golightly, chief executive of the North East Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), explains what it is and what it aims to do.

The North East COVID-19 Economic Response Group is a partnership between the North East LEP, business organisations represented through the CBI and both of the Combined Authorities in the region. While we already work together around the economy, now it’s crucial that we show that collaborative strategic leadership so that everyone knows we’re doing everything we can to make a difference.

Our first priority has been to put together a five-point plan. We need to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on the economy and also look to the future so we are primed for an upturn. In a nutshell, all our activity hinges around supporting the local economy, building business resilience and getting the region ready for recovery.

Ultimately our longer-term aim is to return the North East to pre-COVID-19 GDP and employment levels.

The five-point plan, in its simplest form, looks at how we can:

  • Keep businesses operational and stop them from shedding jobs
  • Maintain people in employment and economic activity
  • Mobilise partners in the region to solve new problems and challenges
  • Prepare for the longer-term with a plan for recovery in the future
  • Co-ordinate the economic voice and influence of the region to best effect

Working in this way helps avoid duplication of activity. Many different organisations have mobilised very quickly and it’s critical that help is deployed most efficiently to achieve the greatest impact. Our job is therefore to help coordinate all that.

One strong consistent voice

Another part of the North East COVID-19 Economic Response Group’s work relates to establishing one strong voice, maintaining this and ensuring this is heard by Government, using the mechanisms we have in place to keep the North East in clear view.

It is also important to have one consistent message and hub for regional businesses so they know where to turn for appropriate information. At the moment we are advocating people use the North East Growth Hub which is an online resource, but there are also people available at the end of the phone, should that be needed.

On the Growth Hub we’ve tried to simplify the information out there and signpost clearly to the latest Government measures designed to keep organisations and the self-employed open for business.

A coordinated response with industry

One further area of work I’m keen for everyone to know about is the matching service we are implementing here in the region, connecting people, skills and goods with those in need. Every day we are approached by people offering help on a local and regional level, showing just how generous and community-oriented we are in the North East. It’s quite complex to do this as you’d imagine so this is taking a bit of time.

In addition to this, Government has put out a number of ‘Challenges’. This means that they are asking us to work with them to solve a problem together. As one example, there is a call out right now for manufacturers who can help with the production of ventilators. We are working hard to identify regional businesses who may be able to help with these. If you’d like to find out more, there is an up to date list on the North East Growth Hub Call Directory.

Ultimately the North East is resilient, is rising to the challenge and everything we are doing right now is with a firm view to a successful future.

To stay up to date with progress, follow @northeastlep on Twitter or visit the North East COVID-19 Economic Response Group page.

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Opportunities for North East businesses to help respond to COVID-19

During this hugely difficult and unpredictable time for everyone, we’re seeing large numbers of businesses, nationally and here in the North East, stepping forward to help front line services.

This ranges from manufacturing products like ventilators and hand sanitiser, to the creation of new consortia which are working together to develop and test medical equipment.

To help support the response to COVID-19 across the North East, there is now an online directory which you can find on the North East Growth Hub. This lists current calls for support – from requests to provide rapid sanitising technology for ambulances, to an open call for creatives to use their skills to help spread public health messages.

Visit the Rapid Response Requests Directory here.

There are opportunities for organisations in a wide range of sectors to help.

We’ve seen manufacturing businesses move quickly to re-align their activity to manufacture PPE, sanitiser and ventilators. Here in the North East, firms have offered the use of their transport and logistics facilities, and laboratory spaces. Newcastle University has also worked with the Royal Navy to transport seven of its qPCR machines to the NHS in Milton Keynes, which will be used to help process thousands of samples from people suspected of having the virus.

All parts of the economy are affected by this crisis and businesses of all shapes and sizes are being forced to do things differently. Our usual ways of working are being challenged on a daily basis and as a result we are seeing new ways of collaborating and new solutions to the challenges that COVID-19 is bringing.

Innovation is about coping with change, and this situation is forcing us all to change and adapt. Innovation is more important than ever and it will continue to be important in the post-COVID environment – we won’t be doing things in the same way anymore and innovation will be at the centre of future-proofing our economy.

Right now, sitting back and waiting isn’t an option. We need to unleash the capabilities of people and businesses here in the North East who can help support the response to COVID-19. We need to pull together to find solutions as quickly as possible, and the best way to do this is through collaboration and innovation.

Alan Welby, Innovation Director.

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North East COVID-19 Economic Response Group Launches to Support North East Business and Protect Jobs

New North East COVID-19 Economic Response Group aims to support the local economy, build business resilience and get the region ready for recovery.

A North East COVID-19 Economic Response Group has been launched to provide maximum support for businesses in the immediate term and plan for long-term economic recovery following the COVID-19 outbreak.

The North East Local Enterprise Partnership, CBI, North of Tyne and North East Combined Authorities have come together, with the support of industry, to ensure the North East has strong economic leadership that acts quickly and collaboratively to mitigate the impacts of COVID-19.

The immediate focus is on supporting businesses to remain operational, to keep people in employment and to work with partners to solve industry challenges.

By co-ordinating one response to the current economic crisis, the Group will use one voice and its collective influence to reassure the North East public, deliver crucial interventions and lobby Government.

Helen Golightly, Chief Executive of the North East LEP, said: “Right now the region needs a strong, coherent response to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 and support businesses through the immediate shock.

“Through our work with the CBI, our two Combined Authorities and all our partners, everyone in the North East can be confident that the right steps are being taken to support the local economy, build business resilience and get the region ready for recovery.

“Not only are we making sure the appropriate support is available on the ground, we will continue to engage with government to ensure the North East is fully represented at this time.”

Sarah Glendinning, Regional Director for the CBI North East, said: “This is an incredibly challenging time for all of the North East, with immediate impact for our local businesses and employees. This group will be critical in our response to COVID-19 and with the support of the wider regional business organisations, we will ensure the needs of all sizes and sectors of our economy are considered.

“The scale of these matters is immense and will require the concentrated effort of our local organisations to seek to coordinate the promised national level of support, addressing the immediate and long-term challenges arising from this emergency situation.

“We need to deal with the crisis raging around us and start planning for the recovery.”

Jamie Driscoll, Mayor of the North of Tyne Combined Authority, said: “Working together as a region is so important.  I’m regularly speaking to ministers and officials to make sure our workers, businesses and the self-employed get the support they need.  And my cabinet colleagues and our staff team are already preparing to get the economy back on its feet as soon as the public health crisis is over.”

Councillor Iain Malcolm, Chair, North East Combined Authority, said: “Our businesses, large and small, are vital to the prosperity of our region, and will be crucial in helping our local economy recover when we have beaten this virus. We know that swift action is vital to support cash flow and protect jobs. We are working with government and other partners nationally and regionally to unlock all available support and financial assistance to allow businesses across the North East to continue to operate through this crisis and beyond”

A dedicated North East Covid-19 Response Group web page has been launched for those looking for more information and partners wanting to engage with its work. This is available here 

North East businesses can also access the North East Growth Hub, where a COVID-19 (Coronavirus) toolkit provides the most up to date support and advice, including partner information: https://www.northeastgrowthhub.co.uk/toolkits/covid-19-coronavirus-toolkit

 

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Colin Bell, Business Growth Director, explains how the North East Growth Hub is working to reduce the impact of Coronavirus on our regional businesses

Right now is a time of anxiety for many people and business owners due to the impact of Coronavirus, also known as COVID-19.

Here at the North East Growth Hub we are geared up to provide as much support as we can – and working hard to do more.

Right now, our focus is on updating the North East Growth Hub Coronavirus toolkit so you have access to the very latest information, as well as providing direct one to one support to businesses to help them navigate the measures Government are putting in place.

This includes details of the latest financial support and how to prevent the spread of COVID-19, through to managing remote working and knowing your employees’ rights.

We are also working closely with our partners in local and national Government, academia and the private and third sectors to mobilise a combined response which puts your needs at the heart of all activity and ensures one voice and message is heard by Government.

This collaborative approach includes our Local Authorities and the North East Combined Authority, as well as membership organisations such as the CBI, FSB, Dynamo, Developing Consensus, Make, Entrepreneurs’ Forum and more.

How you can play your part

At this uncertain time, everyone has a role to play. Please help us develop our response by letting us know what you need.

Right now, we need to understand exactly what is impacting your business so we can share this with the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) to help them inform the measures put in place and improve the support offered.

You can do this by completing this short survey here.

In it together

The North East is known for its collaborative spirit and resilience. Please be assured the North East LEP will continue to lead from the front and share valuable information so you can do what you can to keep your business moving forward and protect employees.

Please do use the North East Growth Hub toolkit, fill in the survey and if needed, make a one to one virtual appointment with one of our Connectors. We are here to help.