NORTH East England Chamber of Commerce members have welcomed a new devolution plan, as their new President was elected into office.

Andrew Haigh, CEO of Newcastle Building Society, succeeds Lesley Moody OBE (AES Digital Solutions) who held the role for three years, the longest serving President in the Chamber’s 207 year history. Deborah Walton (Palintest) was elected Vice-President.

In his speech Andrew Haigh set out the theme for his term. He said: “At the Chamber our mission is one of, ‘a Stronger North East’.

“However, I’d like to suggest there’s one word we could add to that mission – that our mission could be one of, a Stronger, Fairer North East. Over the next two years I’d like to use my opportunity to prompt thinking, work and campaigns which support more young people in the North East to get great skills and good jobs.

“Growing talent within our region and then creating the opportunities to keep it here is, I believe, one of the most important concerns for everyone in the North East right now.

“I’d like to use my tenure as President to begin conversations with businesses and think about the practical, often simple steps we can take as employers and businesses to make sure we create a region in which every young person, and adult, can thrive.”

Chamber chief executive John McCabe thanked Lesley Moody for her hard work and after recapping on the last 12 months he set out how he sees the next year.

“Yes, we face economic headwinds and they might get stronger before we can turn them to our tail. But I’m hugely optimistic for our region’s future.

“I sense a spirit of collaboration, a sense of ambition, a resolve to seize the opportunity and shape a better future for this unique region we call home. The Chamber will play its full part in this endeavour.”

The Chamber has also joined with the CBI and Federation of Small Businesses to welcome an outline of a proposed new devolution settlement for the north of the region.

Following recent reports that an expanded settlement for the six local authorities across Northumberland and Tyne and Wear could deliver billions of additional investment, creating thousands of new jobs, business leaders have expressed their support for greater autonomy for the area. Based on consultations with members’ throughout Spring, the three business bodies have renewed their commitment to supporting more powers and funding for the region driven by local priorities.

John McCabe, chief executive, North East England Chamber of Commerce said, “We recognise the huge amount of work from leaders across Northumberland and Tyne and Wear to get discussions to this advanced stage and are grateful for it. Positive partnership working has already paid real dividends for our businesses and communities, especially as we recover from Covid. An extended deal which delivers more funding and powers over transport, skills, jobs and homes would be a welcome next step on the region’s devolution journey.”

Sarah Glendinning, North East Director, CBI said, “The CBI is keen to see local leaders empowered to make the big decisions which address regional challenges and deliver economic growth. Businesses tell us that devolution in the North and South of the region has already delivered tangible benefits – that is why our members are really positive about conversations so far and support regional leaders to get this next phase of work over the line.”

Reshma Begum, North East Development Manager, Federation of Small Businesses said, “For small and medium sized businesses in particular, we know that wider devolution could make a real difference to creating the conditions for success in the North East. They are really supportive of the opportunities a new deal could open up, especially in areas where we have unique regional assets, such as the rural economy or green industries.”