Business leader’s call for action on ‘levelling up’
A business leader has called on the Government to deliver on its “levelling up” agenda – as a new survey shows a worrying continuation of a downward economic trend
North East England Chamber of Commerce president , Lesley Moody, spoke out after the group’s second economic survey since the onset of the COVID -19 pandemic showed the impact this crisis is having on the regional economy.
She said: “We have been extremely vocal about the need for Government to get on with its ‘levelling up’ agenda.
"Large parts of our region are among the worst hit by COVID-19 infection rates and local restrictions, having entered this crisis with above-average levels of unemployment and inequality.
“These survey results only add weight to the argument that urgent action is needed to prevent these disparities growing further.”
The survey, conducted in association with Durham University Business School, shows sales continue to be below previous record lows – set in 2009 – for both the manufacturing and service sectors.
Ms Moody added: “While there are some signs of increased positivity in these results, the overall level of business confidence remains low.
"Large parts of our business community report a highly uncertain outlook. Sectors such as retail, leisure and hospitality continue to face the twin challenges of public health restrictions and low levels of consumer confidence.
"Following recent Government announcements, the months ahead look extremely difficult for these businesses without further support.”
“Other sectors are faring better, either through adaptation to new ways of working or by operating in markets that are more ‘covid-proof ’. Yet we must not forget the harm to business resilience and balance sheets that has been caused over recent months.
The Chamber say barriers which are causing difficulties for businesses also included an increased level of uncertainty around Brexit – with concerns about the type of deal with the EU and the potential paperwork and barriers which may result.