BOSSES CALL ON ELECTION CANDIDATES TO WORK FOR THE NORTH WEST
by Ben Rooth
Some of the region’s most influential business people today called on all election candidates to work for the future prosperity of the North West.
In an open letter to all three major party candidates who are standing for election next month, the North West Business Leadership Team (NWBLT) outlined the issues that they believe to be of major importance for the future of the region.
The NWBLT is an independent group of the region’s most senior business leaders, committed to working together for the sustainable economic development and long-term prosperity of the North West.
They told candidates that each party must address issues such as, skills for business, sustainable innovation, strategic transport and connectivity and the promotion of the region as a good place to do business.
They also stressed the importance of the North West in the UK’s economic recovery and economic future.
The NWBLT's chief executive Geoffrey Piper said: “All three parties must recognise the massive potential importance of the North West as a region with considerable manufacturing, environmental and energy capacity.
“The UK as a whole will need to exploit this more fully if it is to compete successfully in the global economy in the years ahead.
“We recognise this and so the NWBLT is looking to all candidates across the three major parties to raise the level of debate at this election and to offer real leadership and vision for the North West.
“The focus for candidates in this region must be on those policies and actions which will make a valuable and lasting contribution to the North West’s prosperity and living standards for generations to come.”
Members outlined sustainable innovation as a key priority and in particular the potential importance of the North West’s “Energy Coast” to the nuclear sector.
The NWBLT also attached high priority to the planned investments in strategic rail links – the Northern Hub, continuing WCML investment, the Liverpool-Manchester-Preston-Blackpool electrification and the proposals for the North West to be part of a national high speed rail network by the 2020’s.
Mr Piper added: “Members of the NWBLT are always happy to meet with the region's MPs and other senior politicians to discuss these issues and to help provide a first hand view on the concerns we have as business leaders with major commitments in the North West."
