News Article

Alan Clarke, Chief Executive of Regional Development Agency One North East, today welcomed the North East Select Committee’s Report on Industry and Innovation in North East England.

In its report, the Committee said it fully supported the Agency’s vision and ambition and praised its performance and effectiveness, specifically highlighting One North East’s response to the economic downturn and its long-term strategy to invest in innovation-led, low-carbon industries.

Business groups which gave evidence to the Committee praised the Agency’s role in providing help to companies affected by the recession. They also said One North East’s decision to invest in innovation and create Centres of Excellence, including the New and Renewable Energy Centre in Blyth and the Centre for Process Innovation at Wilton, was responsible for attracting “major players” to the region.

The Committee commended One North East’s economic priorities, having heard evidence from business leaders in the region who said it was “critical” that strategic economic development took place at a regional level.

Mr Clarke said: “We welcome this report into industry and innovation in the region and its recognition for the role we play in developing the region’s economy.

“We were particularly pleased that the business community felt we have made a real difference during the economic downturn, and that they believe our strategic, regional approach to developing low carbon industries is the right way forward for North East England.

“However we are by no means treating this report as an endorsement that the hard work is over, and our region continues to face major challenges. At this time our priority is to provide and coordinate as much help as we can following the Corus announcement and ensure effective delivery of the £60m investment package announced with Government last week.

“We will be considering the recommendations of the Committee alongside national and regional partners and seeking to address any issues raised as best we can.”

ENDS

For further information on this release contact Paul James, PR Specialist Advisor at One North East, on Tel 0191 229 6429, Mob 07795 267126 or email paul.james@onenortheast.co.uk