What a Northern Powerhouse in Yorkshire means to: Darnton B3 Architecture’s Alex Lodge

As Bdaily’s Northern Powerhouse series continues to give the business people of Yorkshire the opportunity to voice their opinions on the the government’s Northern Powerhouse initiative, we speak with a director at Darnton B3 Architecture, Alex Lodge.

DarntonB3, which is headquartered in Leeds, provides a full service offering including; Architecture, Project Management, Building Services Design, Interior Design, Building Information Modelling, Health & Safety services and 3D visualisation.

The business’ client list includes big names such as Marks & Spencer, Wm. Morrisons, Lloyds Banking Group, London Underground, Primark, Vodafone, Nestle, and Coca Cola.

Two years have now passed since George Osborne first announced the government’s aim of creating a ‘Northern Powerhouse’, and yet it can be argued that there is still very little understanding of what this actually is.

So let’s find out Alex’s take on a Northern Powerhouse in Yorkshire.

Hi, Alex, so what do you think the Northern Powerhouse will do for Yorkshire?

The Northern Powerhouse will provide a fantastic opportunity to develop and regenerate the north, including Yorkshire, increase our regional competitiveness and rebalance the UK economy.

What will the Northern Powerhouse do for DarntonB3?

We are a truly national company with northern offices in Leeds, Manchester, Newcastle and Bradford. Improving connectivity and driving regional economy growth can only be positive influence on our business given our strength across all market sectors.

Has the government done enough to convince you of its commitment to Osborne’s vision?

Real decision making power is needed to ensure that the Northern Powerhouse holds its destiny within its own hands.

Connectivity has been a major driving force behind the Northern Powerhouse. Do you believe that spending billions of infrastructure will improve the economic climate in the North?

Yes. Connectivity allied to greater capacity can drive the growth in many ways. Investment in faster, better more effective infrastructure – both IT and travel – increases the competitive position of the North.

What, if any, other sectors/industries should the government key in on to achieve a Northern Powerhouse?

Property and construction, logistics, manufacturing, education and research are all key. Connected political dialogue from across the Northern Powerhouse can drive complementary, joined up investment in all these areas.

Are there any other areas which you believe money should be spent on, ahead of transport?

Creating skills in high growth sectors is an important consideration for sustainability and longevity of success. Investing in education, skills and training is also a factor to underpin such innovative growth, hand-in-hand with transport investment.

As with the Sheffield, should the other regions in Yorkshire try to strike a devolution deal with the government?

Yes.

Will the Northern Powerhouse be realised in Yorkshire?

Yes. The Yorkshire region is a vibrant area, full of talented, skilled people passionate about regional and wider success. With those foundations and the opportunity that exists to make a real difference then I can see the benefits of the Northern Powerhouse being realised in Yorkshire.

Thank you Alex.

Don’t miss our latest Northern Powerhouse coverage here. To nominate a Yorkshire business leader to be part of our new series, contact Nick at nick.hill@bdaily.co.uk.

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