It cannot be disputed. The North-East is a region on the edge. Geographically we are about as far away as we could be from the main UK and European business centres.

That is why, if we are to put our business performance at the heart of the economy, we need significant investment in our transport network.

Transport was one of the core issues in the chamber's Ballot for Business campaign in the election run-up, but just because the voting is over we must not let the issue go.

There is a genuine opportunity to spell out what we need in the months ahead. The re-elected Labour Government is looking again at its transport policy and our regional agencies are responding by rekindling debate on this crucial issue.

My hope is that we can act and respond as a united region with a clear and prioritised list of what will help us achieve our goals. We must produce a blueprint for the North-East, not an amalgamation of sub-regional wish lists.

It must also reflect developments outside the region - particularly in Yorkshire and the North West - to ensure our piece of the jigsaw fits the national puzzle.

Of course we need better road links - particularly motorway - but this is also about ensuring we can improve freight links by rail, sea and air to markets in the south, the euro zone and Scandinavia.

We need a strategy which seeks investment in ports, airports and rail terminals which best serve our region's needs - not in a hotchpotch of projects cobbled together to keep our various sub-regions happy.

No small challenge, but if we act together, we win together.

John Irwin, president, North East Chamber of Commerce