Good business

Who will speak up for county?

THE NEWLY-OPENED Victoria Gate retail complex in the heart of Leeds is winning deserved plaudits – and this development, anchored by never knowingly undersold department store John Lewis, is another vote of confidence in the burgeoning Yorkshire economy. Not only is this county home to the some of the country’s most successful shopping centres, but also niche destinations such as Harrogate, Ilkley and Skipton which have retained their distinct identity.

Now this successful relationship between local politicians and business leaders needs to be applied to transport and infrastructure so that this region can finally fulfil its untapped economic potential. Despite the best endeavours of MPs like Rachel Reeves when it comes to new stations, such as Kirkstall Forge, this region remains the ‘poor relation’ when it comes to the allocation of Government funds for the type of road and rail improvements which are already long overdue.

Though Theresa May’s intentions are sound, the same was also true of her more recent predecessors. And, while much will hinge on this area’s devolution settlement if and when a consensus is reached, top entrepreneurs certainly need to be more vocal when it comes to banging the drum for Yorkshire and making the case for better transport links. Good business for them, such an approach will represent very good business for this region if Ministers appreciate that such an approach is in the interests of all, and not just the privileged South. Now who is going to take the lead?