BUSINESS needs to play a greater role in the economic transformation of the North-East - that will be the message at an event in County Durham this evening.

Alan Duncan, the Shadow Minister for Trade and Industry, will be giving a talk to the region's business community about the opportunities and challenges they face.

The MP will say: "The North-East is an area that offers huge potential for economic growth, but the region is falling behind in many measures of economic competitiveness.

"The business sector needs to play a bigger role in leading the economic transformation of the North-East. This is why we are listening to all sectors of the economy in the region about how to help businesses thrive in the North-East."

The reception at Seaham Hall has been organised by Lucille Nicholson, the chairman of Conservative Business Relations in the North-East.