Tees Valley Business Leaders welcome first devo-deal payment

Nigel Mills, Chairman of the Entrepreneurs’ Forum, which represents more than 300 high-growth North East and Tees Valley businesses with an annual combined turnover of £2.3 billion and 22,000 employees, said: “This is a boost for business in the Tees Valley. This progress with the devolution deal will give local entrepreneurs the confidence to grow their businesses and create much-needed jobs. Increased support for skills, and the proposed export plan and annual inward investment event are of particular interest to the entrepreneurial community.”

Steve Grant, Managing Director of TTE Technical Training Group, said: “Creating a skilled workforce is essential to the future economic and social prosperity of Tees Valley and it is positive to see that this new funding will support training for young people.  This is an excellent vote of confidence in the area and the collective desire between the public and private sector to drive Tees Valley forward.”

Heather O’Driscoll, Managing Director of Tees Valley Chartered Accountants and Business Advisers Waltons Clark Whitehill, said: “This is excellent news for businesses in the Tees Valley. Investment in infrastructure and skills is exactly what our area needs if we are to unlock its hidden potential, and increase employment and prosperity.

Graham Robb, Regional Chairman of the Institute of Directors, said: “Business will welcome this Excellent news for Teesside. It has come about because our local authorities are working in co-operation with one another to convince the Government they have credible plans to deliver a rising economy.”