A panel of senior business leaders have applauded the success of the region in building an international gateway for investment and jobs.
The discussion at the Port of Middlesbrough building was the latest event as part of The Northern Echo's Level Up campaign for jobs and investment. Each quarter the Echo's business brand, BUSINESSiQ, gather partners and an invited audience to talk about key themes for the region.
This time the subject was The Gateway to International Markets, with VIP guest, Keirra Smith from the Darlington Economic Campus joining our panel of campaign partners Phil Clements, Director of Energy Infrastructure at SSE; Felipe Rocha, General Manager of Europe Trucks OEMs for Cummins; Dan Kitchen, CEO of IT solutions firm razorblue; Peter Snaith, partner at transatlantic law firm Womble Bond Dickinson; Sarah Slaven, Managing Director of Business Durham; Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen and James Davison, International Trade Manager at North East England Chamber of Commerce.
- Check out our new YouTube channel HERE for videos of previous Level Up events, our BUSINESSiQ Awards and much more
Introduced by our host for the day, Charlie Nettle, Managing Director Designate at AV Dawson Group, which operates the port, the event was hosted by Northern Echo Editor Gavin Foster.
The audience heard that with Freeport status and devolved powers, this region is better placed than ever to export its goods, services and reputation. We are creating a global gateway to trade and vital relationships, with different markets available to different sectors. The panel spoke about the key advantages of exporting from the North East and the challenges we still face.
Read more:
- All of our Level Up stories are HERE
- Exclusive insight into AI and what North East needs to make most of digital future
- LEVEL UP LIVE: North East business leaders reveal skills and training strategies
After a break for networking over lunch, Keirra, Deputy Director of the Department of Business and Trade’s Programme and Insight & Operations Teams was in the spotlight with Gavin Foster for a discussion about Government strategies and her views of the region's progress.
The next live event is planned for December 14th. For details about playing your part, contact ryan.fenwick@localiq.co.uk
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