Policy & Knowledge
We ARE the Voice for Regional Success
The North East Chamber of Commerce is the voice of business.
Policy and Knowledge sits at the heart of how the Chamber influences change and shapes debate, ensuring business priorities are understood at every level of decision-making. From local authorities and combined authorities to Westminster and national agencies, the Chamber represents business interests with credibility and evidence.
This work is driven by real-life business experience. Member insight, research and engagement inform clear positions that support economic growth and create the right conditions for enterprise to succeed across the North East.
Unlocking the North East Economy
Unlocking the North East Economy is the Chamber's two-year policy plan for 2025-2027, setting out a clear, business-led roadmap for sustainable and equitable regional growth.
Created through business contribution and economic evidence, Unlocking the North East Economy identifies the practical actions needed to strengthen the region over the next two years, The plan provides a shared direction for businesses, policymakers and partners, aligning ambition with delivery and ensuring priorities reflect employer experience.
Policy Pillars
- Jobs of the Future - workforce skills, education pathways and strengthening the talent pipeline so businesses can recruit, retain and develop people with the right capabilities for emerging industries and evolving roles.
- Connectivity - investment in transport links, digital infrastructure and regional accessibility to ensure people, goods, and services can move efficiently across the North East and beyond.
- Net Zero and Energy - supporting the transition to a low-carbon economy through innovation, clean energy adoption and supply chain opportunities that position the region as a leader in sustainable growth.
- Trade and Investment - enabling businesses to export with confidence, attract inward investment and strengthen the North East’s presence and competitiveness in global markets.
- Business Wellbeing - promoting inclusive growth, strong leadership and healthy workplace cultures that improve productivity, retention and long-term organisational resilience.
- Place and Partnerships - fostering collaboration between business, government, education and communities to strengthen regional identity, support devolution and deliver shared economic priorities.
What This Means in Practice
Unlocking the North East Economy by:
- Informing the Chamber’s policy positions and campaigns
- Guiding engagement with government and regional partners
- Shaping consultations, surveys and research priorities
- Influencing funding, infrastructure and skills decisions
Progress is reviewed against these priorities to monitor delivery, highlight opportunity and keep activity transparent and responsive to changing economic conditions.
Quarterly Economic Survey
The Quarterly Economic Survey (QES) is one of the most established measures of business confidence in the North East. Each quarter, organisations of all sizes and sectors share their experiences, creating a reliable barometer of economic performance and sentiment.
The survey captures trends in:
- Sales and orders
- Recruitment and workforce pressures
- Investment intentions
- Cost pressures and pricing
- Export activity and international trade
Findings are shared with local and national policymakers, the British Chambers of Commerce network and regional partners, ensuring the North East’s economic reality informs national debate. Participation is quick, confidential, and helps influence and improve the business landscape.
Local Skills Improvement Plan
Local Skills Improvement Plans (LSIPs) connect employer demand with education and training provision so local skills systems reflect real business need.
The Chamber gathers employer insight and works with colleges, universities and training providers to ensure local skills provision reflects the needs of businesses across the region. This work helps identify skills shortages, anticipate future workforce needs and strengthen collaboration between business and education.
The Chamber is currently delivering the Tees Valley Local Skills Improvement Plan 2026-2029, building on the foundations of the original plans by focusing on deeper employer engagement and practical improvements to training and curriculum provision aligned with regional growth sectors.
Full LSIP reports, employer toolkits and resources can be accessed on our dedicated LSIP hub.
Get Involved
Policy is strongest when it reflects real business experience. The Chamber works with members and partners to ensure business perspectives remain central to funding, regulation and regional priorities.
Contribute by taking part in surveys, joining roundtables, responding to consultations or supporting campaigns. Every contribution of insight makes a difference.
Whether joining an existing programme or proposing a new focus area, involvement helps ensure the North East continues to speak with clarity, credibility and collective strength.