'Teesside is an example to the rest of the country' - CBI
Business group's Director General says it's what the UK should look like in the future
Teesside's economy is an example of what the UK should look like in the future - that's according to the Director-General of the CBI.
Carolyn Fairbairn says the way Tees Valley is innovating, embracing modern industry and leading the way when it comes to green technology puts it in one of the strongest positions for any region in the country.
Speaking to a CBI dinner in North Yorkshire last night, she said:
"At a time when there are plenty of reasons to slow down, there’s still a fantastic spirit of ‘glass-half-full’ in the air. A real habit of asking why not rather than why, that makes this region really stand out.
"One of the most exciting new developments is the South Tees Development Corporation and its plan to completely redevelop Redcar over the next 25 years helping to create 20,000 jobs and add an extra £1bn a year to the Tees Valley economy.
"If there’s one place that can get this right, it’s Tees Valley.”
The event also saw calls for businesses in the Tees Valley to play a bigger role in education and skills development for young people in the North East.
It comes after the Chancellor announced £123 million for the region in the Budget earlier this month - mainly for the redevelopment of the former Redcar SSI steelworks.
There will also be money coming to the region for transport as part of a deal with all regions in England that have an elected mayoralty.