Business leaders across the region have led tributes to James Ramsbotham, North East England Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive, who says he is stepping down after 15 years.
After announcing he would be moving to become Chairman of the Newcastle Building Society, James told The Northern Echo: “This has been part of my life for 15 years, but I think this is the right time to let someone else have the same privilege I have had to work with our businesses and talk up the North East,  putting their own stamp on the role.”
President of the Chamber, Lesley Moody, said: “James has firmly established the North East England Chamber of Commerce as a dynamic and highly respected influence throughout the region as well as on the national and international stage.  He remains a great champion of our business community and I know all our members will want to join me in extending our thanks and sincere best wishes for the future.”
John McCabe, MD at Fusion PR Creative, and a past president of the Chamber, said: “James, you’ve made such a huge contribution to the North East in so many different ways but especially as the Chamber’s chief executive for the last 15 years. It’s great to hear your work on behalf of our region will continue.”
John Holmes, Chairman of Bernicia Group, added: “You have been an outstanding ambassador for the organisation and the region, always available, totally dedicated and highly professional. Thank you so much for everything that you have contributed and being such a great ‘Friend in the North’”.
James said one of his main achievements was helping change the perception of the region and help businesses “shrug off the cloak of self deprecation” and have confidence in what they were capable of if they worked together.
He said: “I recall one of my first speeches in this role, alongside David Milliband, was about the fact that too many conversations were starting with ‘the problem with the North-East....’
“We have come a long way since then, but there is still a huge amount to do, and the Chamber will do that with a new Chief Executive who shares a real passion for the region, understands its businesses and will champion them for many more years.”
Talking about his new role, he described Newcastle Building Society as “a fantastic organisation providing crucial support across the whole region”
He said it was ‘a little like returning home’ as he had been Chair of Darlington Building Society for 11 years.
James said his move would take place only when his successor had been chosen, probably in the Autumn.
“I know that you will support the new Chief Executive in the amazing way that you have made my life so wonderful whilst in this role – they will be so fortunate to take on this role and to have the honour of working for you as Chamber members.”
Andrew Haigh, chief executive of Newcastle Building Society, said: “We are delighted that James will be joining us. He brings extensive knowledge of business throughout our region, together with a clear focus on both customers and communities and we very much look forward to working with him in the years ahead.”