THE Chancellor of the University of Teesside has called on the region to have more confidence in what it can achieve.
Lord Sawyer of Darlington, addressing the North East Chamber of Commerce (NECC) Tees Valley and Durham dinner, said: "We need to keep breeding success to lift continuously our confidence and belief in what we can do. Make the future, don't let the future make you."
Lord Sawyer said the Tees Valley had changed markedly in the past 20 years, with the university at the core of that evolution.
He said: "It sits at the heart of a sub region that is constantly having to change itself. The university connects with government and businesses."
The former trade union leader also stressed the importance of cultivating a strong entrepreneurial attitude in the region's young people.
He said: "We cannot start the journey at 18 years. We need to start it at 18 months."
Lord Sawyer succeeded Lord Brittan of Spennithorne as chancellor in April.
Maggie Pavlou, NECC president, said the Tees Valley was enjoying sustained regeneration.
She said: "This dinner is all about celebrating business in the Tees Valley and Durham over the last year, a year that has seen announcements of major new investment in the chemical sector, particularly by Huntsman with its polyethylene plant.
"We have also welcomed the start of the Middlehaven development, significant improvement to Durham Tees Valley Airport, and many other investments throughout the area."
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