Together we can make a big difference

Aug 20 2008 by Nigel Wilson, The Journal

AS I promised in my first article for The Journal, I am going to use this article to help communicate the progress that the Tyne & Wear Committee has made in setting up the four action groups and to inform the business community of the progress each of the groups are making.

What an absolutely fantastic response we have had to date. We have now had over 50 companies that have nominated staff to join the groups and expressions of interest from many more. I would have expected nothing less from a business community that I have come to know for its commitment and passion to make things better for itself and the communities it serves.

We have also had a tremendous reaction from public sector organisations across Tyne & Wear and from One NorthEast. We look forward to working closely with these organisations over the coming months and years as we drive our initiatives forward.

Just to recap, the four groups are to take on projects that will help to ensure that the Tyne & Wear business community is taking a proactive approach to the continued transformation of the North East. The groups are to be filled with the up and coming star executives of NECC member companies and will be mentored by existing members of NECC’s Tyne & Wear committee.

The four specific areas from where the project work will come from are:

:: Public procurement: what does business need to do to stand the best possible chance of winning public sector contracts and what support do businesses need to ensure this.

:: Intertrading: What does the business community need to do to ensure that trading between North East businesses is at an optimum level and what support infrastructure can be provided to assist in this.

:: Skills: How does the business community ready itself for the changes to take place over the next three years in the skills and education sector.

:: City Region: what changes do businesses need to make together to take advantage of the City Region agenda.

We do not believe that we can solve these challenges, but we believe that by working together we can take on projects that will make a major difference to our chances of a successful outcome.

There is still time to come on board. If you feel a member of your staff could help shape the business community, can improve themselves and your company and you are excited by the initiative then send an email to Rachel.spence@necc.co.uk

Nigel Wilson is NECC Tyne & Wear committee chairman