North West business leaders: collaboration key to facing ‘volatile’ post-Brexit Britain

The North West’s public and private sectors must work collaboratively to overcome the challenges facing Britain once it leaves the European Union, according to a group of business and civic leaders.

Speaking before an audience gathered at St George’s Hall in Liverpool on Friday (March 31), Mike Thomas, director and local government strategy lead for business advisory firm Grant Thornton in the North, explained how collaboration will be key to overcoming the hurdles of the post-Brexit era.

He told the audience: “Business and civic leaders need to get used to working together in a world that is volatile, uncertain, continually changing and, in many ways, ambiguous.

“Theresa May has clearly set out what she wants to achieve for the country with her Industrial Strategy. But the strategy is light on both detail as to how this will be achieved, and the opportunities that it presents to areas that have secured devolution deals – like in the Liverpool City Region and Greater Manchester.”

He continued: “In all parts of the North West there are real challenges in public service delivery, not least in the health and social care system. Addressing them will require lasting change to the way public services are delivered. The problems cannot simply be fixed with short-term additional council tax rises.

“As the UK’s leading public sector auditor, Grant Thornton believes that the country’s business community and local authorities must present a united voice to the government. To this end, we are hosting a series of roundtables across the North West in the coming months, to facilitate discussion and, ultimately, deliver a paper to Number 10, outlining our recommendations.”

Mr Thomas was last week appointed the North West president of the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA).

Also speaking at the event, which formed part of CIPFA’s regional AGM, were Ed Cox, director of think-tank IPPR North; Neil Smith, executive director of resources at the Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust; and Andy Burns, national vice president of CIPFA.

IPPR North’s Ed Cox, who welcomed Mr Thomas’ appointment, commented: “Smart collaboration between the public and private sectors, especially for financing infrastructure, is vital as we leave the EU, and Mike brings real insight into the local government sector.”

Speaking further, Mr Cox stressed the importance of a “voice for the North” and questioned who will drive the Government’s Industrial Strategy in the region.

He emphasised the importance of local decision making and the need for regional governance to address what he called “economic and democratic deficits”.

Mr Cox also said the North should find ways to “take back control” as it looks to achieve its potential and remain a key player in the global marketplace.

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