Responding to the debate and discussion from the Northern Futures summit

06.11.14

Responding to the debate and discussion from the Northern Futures event in Leeds today, Roger Marsh, Chair of the Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership said:

“The Northern Futures summit today confirms what we have long believed, that the North is no longer the problem, but instead the solution to sustaining the UK’s prosperity and global competitiveness.

“The scale of opportunity in the Leeds City Region is immense. We are the largest economy outside of London and have already delivered significant impact with limited resources. By working together with our northern neighbours, we can create an economic powerhouse that can compete alongside London and the South East for global business, investment and jobs.

“I was delighted to see so many young people taking part in the event, because the North’s future is their future. Freya Tweedy and Sam Simkins, from Abbey Grange Academy in Leeds, spoke passionately about the need to focus on our people, places and potential. People in particular are the drivers of economic growth. As the Deputy Prime Minister alluded to in his concluding remarks, we will know we have achieved true impact from devolution when young people like Freya and Sam have the jobs and opportunities to stay in the North after their education - contributing to our region’s future growth and prosperity and that of the nation, for generations to come.”