Broadcaster and entrepreneur urges businesses to embrace skills challenge at Chamber event

Speaking at the North East Chamber of Commerce’s latest 1815 Lunch, Jimmy McLoughlin OBE highlighted how rapidly technology is reshaping the world of work and said the North East was well placed to take advantage – but only if people had the right skills to benefit.

Jimmy, host of the popular Jimmy's Jobs of the Future podcast, said: “When it comes to AI, I’m both an optimist and a pessimist. Some jobs will go, but new jobs will be created. Other jobs have changed dramatically in the last ten years, but they’re still here.

“There are lots of opportunities out there, but people need to know where to find them, and what skills they need to do those jobs well. How do we prepare people for the jobs coming next?”

He said employers had an important role in creating opportunities for people to gain experience, particularly at the beginning of their careers, when securing a first job can be increasingly challenging.

Jimmy said: “My advice to young people is to take a portfolio approach early on. We have to inspire and encourage people to try new things.

“Nowadays you see influencers on Instagram interviewing entrepreneurs. Don’t be afraid to experiment because you learn so much. You’ve got these amazing AI tools at your fingertips that can help you learn and develop.”

In conversation with John Marshall OBE, chair of the Chamber board, Jimmy examined the changing nature of work and the opportunities and challenges employers face around productivity, skills, recruitment and talent.

He also highlighted the North East’s strong business networks and sense of community as an advantage for businesses and entrepreneurs looking to grow.

Jimmy said: “When we took Jimmy’s Jobs of the Future to the North East, I ended up writing a piece called 19 reasons to look at the North East economy. The thing that stayed with me was the answer to one question: what’s the best thing about building a business here? Again and again, I was told: the people.

“There’s a real sense of community here and a quality and variety of life that you don’t get in other parts of the country. The North East business community is a bit like a village. Once you’re in it, there won’t be anyone you can’t reach through one or two connections. That is really powerful.”

Ten years ago, Jimmy was working in Downing Street, advising the Prime Minister on business and entrepreneurship. Since then, his career has taken him from government and entrepreneurship into media, technology and the future of work.

Through his Jimmy’s Jobs of the Future podcast, which attracts more than 110,000 viewers each month, he has interviewed everyone from Prime Ministers and CEOs to scientists and entrepreneurs. What began as a COVID lockdown project that he thought might help him find his next job has now become his day job, exploring how work is changing and what that means for jobs, careers and opportunity.

John Marshall said: “Technology is moving at an extraordinary pace. AI is already changing the way we run our businesses, communicate and deliver services.

“There are real opportunities to improve productivity and profitability. But there are important questions too about what happens to jobs, what skills people will need and how we make sure the benefits are felt widely.

“The North East isn’t simply a consumer of these new technologies; we have the businesses, talent and innovation here to help shape what comes next.”

The Chamber’s 1815 Lunch events, named after the organisation’s founding year, bring together senior leaders from businesses and organisations across the North East to build connections, share experiences and gain insight by hearing from speakers on the issues shaping the future of business and the economy.

The latest 1815 Lunch took place at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Newcastle on 23 September and was supported by event sponsor and large business associate sponsor of the Chamber’s senior leaders’ programme, Newcastle College.

Newcastle College principal Jon Ridley said: “Newcastle College is a talent engine for the North East of England, with around 13,000 people training with us every year.

“I’d encourage businesses to connect with us and see the talent coming through. By working together, we can develop the skills businesses need and help more people build successful careers here in the North East.”