Chamber launches new policy plan to unlock the North East economy
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The North East Chamber of Commerce has launched its new policy plan 2025–27, Unlocking the North East Economy, outlining how business, government and communities can collaborate to drive growth, create high-quality jobs and build a fairer future.
Representing nearly 2,000 organisations which together employ around 40% of the region’s workforce, the Chamber has a unique role as the collective voice of North East business. Developed in close collaboration with members across all sectors, the new plan reflects the opportunities and challenges facing the region and builds on the Chamber’s commitment to place-based solutions designed with, for and by the whole of the North East.
The policy plan sets out six priorities to guide the Chamber’s advocacy and campaigning work on behalf of its members over the next two years:
- securing quality jobs of the future
- capitalising on the region’s strengths in clean energy and net zero innovation
- improving transport and digital connectivity
- championing an internationally trading North East
- creating the conditions for a healthier and happier workforce
- driving inclusive growth through equity, diversity and inclusion
The plan outlines what the Chamber will do itself, from lobbying for apprenticeship reforms and digital skills investment, to convening networks on innovation, wellbeing and trade – and where it expects action from policymakers to provide the right environment for businesses and communities to thrive.
North East Mayor Kim McGuinness said, “This plan makes crystal clear that businesses believe green jobs are vital to our region’s success. That’s why I’m backing our green energy sector, and that’s already paying off.
“We’re securing billions of pounds of investment, with new factories, thousands of good jobs for local people and training opportunities for our workforce. I will continue to work with the Chamber and local businesses to make the North East the English home of green energy.”
Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said, “Our businesses are the beating heart of our local economy, playing a vital role in creating jobs, improving skills and powering growth. It’s essential that their voices are heard in helping shape the policies that will drive our region forward and deliver the prosperity that our local communities deserve.
“It is important we now work together to further unlock the outstanding potential of Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool and the wider region – and establish it as the number one location for growth and investment.”
John McCabe, chief executive of the Chamber, added, “The North East offers a rare blend of business opportunities, affordability, cultural richness, passionate and skilled people and natural beauty.
“Written in conjunction with our members, Unlocking the North East Economy articulates the Chamber’s advocacy focus for the next two years. It underscores our region’s ambition and provides a unified call to action for meaningful change.
“We look forward to working with all our members, partners and stakeholders to deliver it.”
The Policy Plan 2025–27, Unlocking the North East Economy, is available here.
The plan was launched at the Riverside Stadium, Middlesbrough on Thursday, 18 September 2025.
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Download press photos from the policy plan launch event below:
Image 1 (l-r): John McCabe, NECC; Natasha McDonough, MMC Research and Marketing, and NECC; Nikola McNicol-Kenney, Sage; Dr Suzanne Hague, Teesside University and NECC; Rhiannon Bearne, NECC and Gill Hunter, Square One Law.
Image 2 (l-r): John McCabe and Rhiannon Bearne, NECC
Image 3: John McCabe, NECC
Image 4: Unlocking the North East Economy
