Member Article

NECC advocate new North East business policies after ‘No’ vote

The North East Chamber of Commerce, NECC, has reacted to the Scottish referendum ‘No’ result, advocating less centralised policies tailored to the Northeast, echoing the views of many business leaders in the region.

The NECC, who represent around 4,000 member businesses and over a third of the region’s workforce, believe that the result crucially opens up new debate on local autonomy in North East England.

Moreover, it has 200 member companies, more than any other business membership group in the region, representing businesses across all industries and sectors.

NECC chief executive, James Ramsbotham, said: “The historic decision of the Scottish people will be celebrated by some in business and lamented by others.

“The North East is uniquely exposed to the changes set to occur in Scotland.

“Even with a “No” vote, considerable devolution North of the Border, pledged by all of the UK’s major political leaders, has the capacity to impact on business confidence with the North East closest of all to an increasingly assertive Holyrood.

“We recognise that the referendum is the start, rather than the end, of a process of change.

“Businesses expect Westminster and Holyrood to reach a devolution settlement that is clear, fair to both sides, and swiftly executed.

“It must not however impact disproportionately on the North East and risk undermining our economic recovery and growth, which has been hard won and must not be jeopardised in any political negotiations.

“The North East and our neighbours most closely impacted by changes in Scotland must be part of the settlement consultation.

“This is not a decision that should be reached in the corridors of Holyrood and Westminster only.

“And a fair settlement is as much about finances as it is about powers.

“Scottish devolution should trigger a new debate on local autonomy in North East England, where policies are tailored to meet the needs of our region and not those of London and more influences over how their taxes are spent.

“Our businesses deserve a say in how a new, less centralised UK is governed in future.

“The North East has strong business links with Scotland and economic health north of the Border can only be a good thing for a vibrant regional economy.

“Let us take this opportunity to further build relationships and make the most of the strong links we already have, particularly in the process industry and oil and gas sectors.”

Image copyright Graham Robson and licensed for reuse under the Creative Commons License.

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