Can the North East seize the political moment? – Stephenson Mohl

This bumper year of elections has felt like a political marathon.

Decisive change has arrived in Westminster, and with the election of a new mayor in Kim McGuinness, the North East should not shy away from self-reflection.

Where are we today? And where do we want to be in the future?

First, let’s think of sectors; housebuilding, renewables, defence, advanced manufacturing and services.

Where do our economic fortunes lie this century?

Second, let’s look at systems.

Government is changing and devolving.

A deeper relationship between business and the state is emerging. Our industries face a disrupting artificial intelligence revolution.

How will we respond?

Third, let’s examine our regional offer.

What is our elevator pitch to the world?

How would we characterise our growth story in recent decades, and what will the next 30 years look like?

Sweeping political change in the UK is rare, so it should spark reflection, then action. In a world where global capital and nation states have a renewed interest in investing in the UK, we must project a fresh image of the North East if we are to be attractive.

To Einstein, repeating the same thing while expecting different results was the definition of insanity.

So, what might we do differently to deliver the transformational change in northern communities that has eluded decision-makers for decades?

Genuine influence in the corridors of power requires us to harness our strengths.

We must champion our leading universities, our manufacturing, energy and emerging industrial clusters, and our reputation as ‘grafters’.

We mustn’t shy from speaking as one voice to secure the interventions in infrastructure and skills needed to unlock growth.

If we cultivate a new generation of ambitious businesses and if we, as industry and citizens, work hand in glove with devolved government on these priorities, then the North East can take back control of its destiny over the 21st Century.

Inside the M25, the North East economy has too often been viewed as a problem to solve, rather than an opportunity to grasp.

Our potential is enormous.

But our focus must be sharpened and old mistakes avoided.

This is a unique political moment and every political, business and community leader in the North East should rise to it.