Region’s businesses urged to put fairness at heart
Date published:
More than 150 North East business leaders heard praise for their hard work during the pandemic and an ambitious vision for the future of the region’s economy with fairness and collaboration at its heart.
The positive message was set out at North East England Chamber of Commerce’s AGM held at the Beacon of Light, Sunderland.
Lesley Moody, MBE, Chamber President (AES Digital Solutions) paid tribute to the way the North East business community had supported each other but also the next challenge for them.
She said: “In October the Chancellor will set out Government’s spending plans for the next three years. He will be under enormous pressure to address public finances following the massive increase in spending brought about by Covid.
“But it would be short-sighted in the extreme for him to make decisions that ultimately hinder or reverse any progress towards levelling up. Instead, he must recognise both the disproportionate impact of the pandemic on regions like ours and our potential to make a much bigger contribution to the national economy.”
She also paid tribute to outgoing Chamber chief executive James Ramsbotham, who was unable to attend the AGM due a bereavement.
Lesley Moody said: “Had James been able to be here today, he would have set out his clear views on our region. He believes at a time when there has never been a greater need for high standards of behaviour, the region’s business community has proved to be an exemplar. His believes that we are now more trusted than we have ever been and he urged politicians to continue to follow the lead of our businesses in maintaining high standards in ethics and look after their customers and employees. James is clear that here in the North East our members aim to do and continue to strive to do more.”
John McCabe, Chamber chief executive designate said: “The Chamber must always remain relevant and responsive to our members’ expectations and priorities.
“Our region never stands still. Domestic and international markets are constantly evolving. New opportunities emerge and unforeseen, sometimes unprecedented challenges have to be faced. Regions require levelling up.
“And if we create a network of good businesses, we will build a stronger, future-proofed economy, underpinning a better, fairer, greener society.
“We’ll unleash the full potential of our people enabling them to contribute more to their region. We’ll create a North East that is unquestionably the best place in the UK in which to live, learn, work and play.
“We won’t achieve this alone. We’ll renew relationships and seek to work alongside economic development partners, like-minded friends in the public and third sectors, academia and health as well as across the business community.
m also looking forward to sharing this agenda with political leaders all across our region. I will do so in a spirit of cooperation because irrespective of party politics, the Chamber is open to collaboration with anyone who believes in a levelled up North East as we do.
“That’s the North East I recognise and it’s at the heart of that diverse region where I want the Chamber to be found. It’s where we are uniquely placed to be as a champion and challenger, an advocate and leader for the whole of our North East.”
The Chamber AGM was sponsored by the economic and business development arm of Sunderland City Council.