Facing COVID-19: the North East response group set to support local economic recovery

A new group is set to provide support for local businesses in the short and long term amid the COVID-19 outbreak.

North East COVID-19 Economic Response Group has been set up by The North East Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), CBI, North of Tyne and North East Combined Authorities in order to guide the region’s businesses through the disruption caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

In addition to supporting North East businesses to remain operational and keep people in employment, the group will also lobby the government to unlock support available at a national level.

Helen Golightly, chief executive of the North East LEP, commented: “Right now the region needs a strong, coherent response to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 and support businesses through the immediate shock.

“Through our work with the CBI, our two Combined Authorities and all our partners, everyone in the North East can be confident that the right steps are being taken to support the local economy, build business resilience and get the region ready for recovery.

“Not only are we making sure the appropriate support is available on the ground, we will continue to engage with the government to ensure the North East is fully represented at this time.”

Sarah Glendinning, regional director for the CBI North East, added: “This is an incredibly challenging time for all of the North East, with immediate impact for our local businesses and employees.

“This group will be critical in our response to COVID-19 and with the support of the wider regional business organisations, we will ensure the needs of all sizes and sectors of our economy are considered.”

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