ONE North East and Tees Valley are, in their own way, creating an image or brand for our area.

At least they were. The Regional Development Agency (RDA), One North East, is to be abolished.

While it appears the RDA’s local responsibilities are to be assumed by Local Economic Partnerships (LEPs) other strategically-important levers for our area’s growth such as innovation, investment and infrastructure seem destined for Whitehall.

While it is clearly possible to point to mistakes that have been made over the years, it’s also clear that One North East has been an extremely positive campaigner and ambassador for the North-East, striving to make this a better place to do business.

One of One North East’s most obvious successes is the Passionate People, Passionate Places’ campaign.

This was initially aimed at boosting the £4bn tourism industry within the North-East, but has helped raise the profile and the image of the area both nationally and internationally, with a positive effect for business as well as the tourist industry.

As One North East prepares for closure and budgets are frozen, this excellent campaign has come to a sudden stop. Closer to home is the rekindled debate on the name given to the area around the Tees.

Whether we choose to call it Tees Valley, Teesside or Cleveland, there is vocal opinion that the area lacks a clear identity.

The main focus of this debate should be the purpose that a clear image for the area would fulfil.

Is the purpose just to create a collective identity for the people of the region?

Are we seeking to ensure that local authorities and government employ “joined up thinking” for the region?

Or are we seeking to present an image to assist with investment?

If, as a region of the North-East, we really do want to have a distinct identity and image, then we must all decide on that and all work together towards the promotion of it.

■ Chris Beaumont is chairman of NECC Tees Valley.