Driving business forward

Get your motor running ... it looks like we’re on track for success!

Early indications are that the much-vaunted International Advanced Manufacturing Park is sure to be a winner.

As we reveal today as many as 10 companies could be up and running by as early as the autumn of 2019 in this joint venture with South Tyneside Council.

Of course, with a project predicted the create more than 5,000 jobs, we would hope there is interest shown at the early stages.

But, as we have seen in the past, there’s a world of difference between the hopes of a project and the final result.

There is a lot riding on this huge £300million project, but there’s a real sense that this cannot fail to capitalise on the potential of our respective areas.

We a have a ready and willing workforce; in Nissan, a tried and tested world leader in the motoring sector; and the ideal location to do business.

We are told today that demand is stronger than anticipated.

That is very good news not just for our community but for the entire North East.

Coun Harry Trueman, deputy leader of the council, tempers his enthusiasm for this fantastic start with the words: “There is still a lot of work to do.”

He’s right, but this is a project that not only deserves the oxygen of publicity, but also needs the support of the public as well as business.

The public are invited to take a look at the plans for the project and learn more about the benefits this project can bring.

Winning hearts and minds is as important as winning investment.

So far so good ... long may it continue.