A manufacturing body has called for Government investment to help North-East companies.

The EEF says Chancellor George Osborne must use his Autumn Statement to lay the foundations for long-term economic growth.

Bosses have called for detailed plans on upgrading road networks, including the A1, and want the Government’s Energy Intensive Industry compensation scheme brought forward to cut costs.

They also recommended the business rates system be maintained to provide certainty and no further increases to the Landfill Tax Escalator.

Liz Mayes, EEF’s North-East region director, who said: “We have seen a significant turnaround in the economy over the last year.

“That is why it’s important for the Government to maintain its focus on areas which drive growth, including maintaining a competitive tax regime and other measures supporting high value investment and innovation.

“Manufacturers are also heavily reliant on road networks, and implementation of those projects left on the too difficult list for too long is an urgent priority.”

The manufacturing sector employs almost 125,000 people in the North-East, with the region accounting for about five per cent of the total UK output.

Mr Osborne will deliver his Autumn Statement to Parliament on Wednesday, December 3.