Devolution: Place business in the driving seat of new powers and resources

Welcoming the signing of devolution deals for the North East and Tees Valley, Nigel Mills, Chairman of the Entrepreneurs’ Forum, said: “We have seen from our own research that devolved powers for the North East are wanted by the overwhelming majority of businesses in the region, so today’s news of deals is very welcome.

“Now, we must ensure that this agreement is utilised to its maximum potential and it is vital that business has a strong voice in directing areas such as housing, planning, transport, employment, education and skills. These are the key areas that business believes must benefit from this deal and there is a passion to be engaged and an enthusiasm to use this deal to make the North East a stronger, more prosperous region.”