THE Government last night credited regional development agency One NorthEast with boosting the area's economy.
Jacqui Smith, Industry and Regions Minister, said the agency was making a real difference as the Department for Trade and Industry released its performance figures for the past year.
They showed that the agency:
* Created, or safeguarded, 10,538 jobs
* Created, or attracted, 659 businesses
* Reclaimed 195 hectares of brownfield land
* Created 26,335 learning opportunities
* Attracted £36.49m of private sector investment benefiting deprived areas.
Ms Smith said the Government would increasing funding to regional development agencies from £1.8bn to £2.3bn by 2007-2008.
Alan Clarke, One NorthEast chief executive, said: "As an agency, we are continually refining our processes and looking at ways we can further help our region.
"That is why we are sharpening our focus in this financial year to concentrate on fewer, bigger projects to bring maximum benefits across the North-East."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article