Better image for chemicals

Jan 31 2008 By Sarah Judd, Evening Gazette

New research has revealed the North-east is the most favoured location for the chemical industry.

A new MORI poll published in The Times said the North-east was the most favourably disposed part of England for this sector, with an increase since the last poll of 11 per cent.

The research revealed that nationally the industry is perceived more positively than the oil and petrol sectors for the first time in years and the most noticeable improvement in image was recorded amongst 15-18 year olds - a 17% increase.

The process industry accounts for more than 60% of the Teesside economy and almost 25% of the North-east’s £35bn GDP.

The North east Process Industry Cluster (NEPIC) noted the improvement in the perception of the industry amongst young people and said the sector is preparing to recruit 16,000 people over the next ten years in the North East alone.

Dr Stan Higgins, CEO of NEPIC commented “The industry has realised that it needs to be much more open in its contact with stakeholders. We need to inform them truthfully and consistently to maintain their confidence in our sector.

“As an industry we are much more outward-facing than we have ever been. Although we are a complex science-based sector, we are trying our best to put over the usefulness of our products and our relevance to society in simple language that everyone can understand.”

Initiatives such as Children Challenging Industry and other lead science education programmes are also clearly having a major impact on perception.

Programmes such as Tees Pride and the Pride in Our Process Industry campaign, lead by the Evening Gazette, has also played its part in keeping our communities well informed.

Comment: Page 26