Member Article

Teesside economy in focus five years after financial crash

The fortunes of the Teesside economy will be discussed at a special event next month.

A host of high-profile business leaders will meet at the Wilton International Centre on 16th January to debate how well the area has recovered from the financial crash of 2008, which led to one of the worst recessions in recent memory.

The debate will focus on a range of key issues affecting local businesses, including the importance of exports to the Teesside economy, whether the area has done enough to tackle crippling skills shortages; and the ability of the current financial landscape to support business growth.

Compered by well-known BBC business reporter Steph McGovern from Middlesbrough, the event will take the form of a Question Time-style Q&A session, where members of the audience can quiz a panel of business experts.

Panellists include Tees Valley Unlimited MD Stephen Catchpole, Paul Bury of business law specialists Endeavour Partnership and Jason Hobbs of North East Finance, which manages the £125m Finance for Business North East programme.

Mr Hobbs said: “It seems pertinent to review the progress of the Teesside economy more than five years after the banking crisis hit our shores.

“Teesside has core strengths in key sectors, such as its process, petrochemical and renewable energy industries, but businesses are still being affected by vital issues including the availability of affordable finance.

“This is a chance for them to come along, ask questions, enjoy a healthy debate and find out what type of business support is on offer in the region.”

The event will start at 6.30pm and visitors are kindly asked to sign in at reception on arrival (doors open at 6.00pm). A buffet will be provided and there will be opportunities to network after the Q&A session.

For further information or to book a place at the event, please visit the Tees Valley Business Club website at http://www.teesvalleybusinessclub.co.uk/steph-mcgovern-bbc-journalist-hosts-a-panel-of-business-leaders-with-a-focus-on-the-tees-valley-economy-e-63.html

The Finance for Business North East programme has provided vital funding streams for companies operating in a variety of sectors. The funds have provided more than £86m of direct investment in North East companies and secured over £91m of private sector cash to support deals from venture capital firms, business angels and other investors. Locally, Teesside firms have benefited from more than £12.5m of direct investment, with an additional £18m-plus of private sector cash secured.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Jez Davison .