Business and VCSE groups respond to North East elections

John McCabe, chief executive, North East Chamber of Commerce; Matt Bratton, North East regional director, Confederation of British Industry; Dawn Huntrod, North England regional director, Make UK; Martin Brookes, chief executive, VONNE (Voluntary Organisations' Network North East) and Katy Scott, North East regional business and stakeholder manager, Federation of Small Businesses say:

“Congratulations to all the newly elected councillors across the North East.

“We look forward to building strong, constructive relationships with new and re-elected councillors, leaders and their administrations during their term in office.

“In recent years, the North East has benefited from a strong and growing spirit of collaboration between business, voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE), local authorities and regional leadership through the Tees Valley Combined Authority and the North East Combined Authority.

“This partnership approach has been key to building investor confidence, supporting job creation and ensuring the region speaks with a clear and credible voice on national and international stages.

“As organisations representing businesses, not-for-profits, community interest companies, charities and public bodies of all sizes and sectors, we strongly encourage incoming council leaderships to continue this constructive engagement and work.

“There is a great deal at stake.

“Our members consistently emphasise the need for policy stability and long-term commitment to support economic success.

“Key priorities include to continue progress on strengthening skills pathways aligned to employer needs, tackling inequality and health barriers to support an inclusive and productive economy, investing in transport and digital connectivity, backing culture and place to attract talent and drive tourism and delivering on the energy trilemma - security, affordability and decarbonisation.

“Regular, open and meaningful dialogue with the business and VCSE communities is essential to sustaining growth, unlocking investment and delivering opportunity for communities across the North East.

“We stand ready to work with all elected members to ensure our region continues to grow, compete and deliver for the passionate and skilled people and communities we serve.”