Over 160 North East business leaders heard the Archbishop of York, the Most Rev & Rt Hon Stephen Cottrell at Ramside Hall, Durham give a keynote speech about emerging from the pandemic needing the same skills following World War II.
At the Chamber President’s lunch which was also attended by the Bishops of Durham and Newcastle, the Archbishop said: “We need to do the same expansive dreaming about what our economy and society can be like after Covid. Our sense of community and the spirit we had seen during the darkest days of the pandemic is perfect evidence of our need for affirmation and hopefulness. If the pandemic has taught us anything, it is how much we depended on the labour of others who we have often taken for granted.”
In his speech he also spoke of his fondness for the North East having been a regular visitor for over 30 years. He also commented on the tremendous economic and social change he had witnessed in the region during that time.
The Archbishop reflected on the challenges that lie ahead for the region’s business community, most importantly that of climate change.
He said: “The lessons of the pandemic can be put to use here, we must confront the environmental emergency by working together, sharing good ideas and practice.”
Lesley Moody, Chamber President, AES Digital Solutions, paid tribute to James Ramsbotham as it was his last Chamber event as chief executive and welcomed everyone to the first President’s lunch in person rather via the internet. She also congratulated those companies who had been shortlisted for Chamber awards in 2020 and presented them with recognition of their achievements, as the competition was cancelled due to Covid.
The President’s Club is in association with Learning Curve and the lunch event was sponsored by Tribe 365.
Photo caption Left to right, John McCabe, Chamber chief executive, Lesley Moody, Chamber President, James Ramsbotham, outgoing Chamber chief executive, Archbishop of York, the Most Rev & Rt Hon Stephen Cottrell and Oliver Randall, director, Tribe 365