Cabinet saw region at the cutting edge
Mar 4 2010 by Stewart Watkins, The Journal
THE Cabinet's recent visit to the North East caused quite a flurry in the region, not least on the pages of our North East newspapers.
But the true value of the visit lies in the fact that it cast a spotlight on many of the exciting new projects transforming our region’s economy for the future.
The fact that it landed on the same day as the fateful Corus decision no doubt emphasised to ministers the depth of feeling on the closure but, as a whole, I am sure the visit showed how manufacturing is alive and well in the region and in a strong position for the future.
The launch of a £25m green energy factory – the first in the UK to build offshore wind turbines – demonstrated the North East’s position in driving forward the green and renewable energy agenda.
And Alistair Darling’s visit to Thorn Lighting in Spennymoor, County Durham, showed the Chancellor a great example of a traditional engineering company embracing innovation to develop next generation lighting.
The company is looking at revolutionary ways to light our lives in the future. Crowned Factory of the Year 2009 at the Best Factory Awards, Thorn’s Spennymoor facility is proof that manufacturing has a positive and exciting future in our region.
Like Thorn, all companies must be prepared to innovate, and look to and embrace the latest developments to prepare for a future in an increasingly competitive international marketplace.
When Thorn built its new plant 12 months ago, it chose to stay at Spennymoor rather than transferring abroad, which demonstrates the faith it and its parent company Zumtobel have in the region and its assets.
For the North East is not only a centre for traditional manufacturing, but is fast developing a name for itself in the most cutting edge sectors and industries that are set to form an important part of the regional and national economy in the future.
Centres such as the New and Renewable Energy Centre (Narec), which leads the way in low-carbon generation technologies, and the North East Technology Park (NETPark), a centre for some of the most cutting edge science and technology companies in the country, are all helping build the region’s reputation for new technologies.
So, if the Cabinet has taken one thing away from its visit, I hope it is that the North East is looking to the future and working at the forefront of scientific and technological innovation to ensure our industries are ready for tomorrow.
:: Stewart Watkins is managing director of the County Durham Development Company
