Businesses call on PM to deliver his pledge

Business bosses in the North East have called on the Government to deliver on its “levelling up” election pledge in the New Year.

Results from North East England Chamber of Commerce economic survey says bu s i n e s s c o n f id e n c e re - mains low.

Chamber president, Lesley Moody said:

“Even though business conditions continued to improve during the final quarter of 2020, things are still very tough for many firms across our region.

"Covid, Brexit and the economic climate have kept sales, orders and cashflow firmly in negative territory, despite some improvements over the latter half of the year.

“Just over a year on from the general election, this is the backdrop against which we assess the Government’s progress on ‘levelling up’.

"The impact of this crisis has not been felt evenly across the country and has fallen harder on our region our communities.

“These results are a stark reminder of how much work is needed to get our economy back on its feet.

"The improvements we see are also testament to the resilience of our busin e s s e s ; w h o h ave been doing everything they can to survive and grow in the face of exceptional circumstances. Let us all hopethat 2021provides the rewards and recognition they deserve.”

Mike Wade, finance manager of Chamber member, Hodgson Sayers said: “We have seen some recovery since the initial lockdown. A key factor in delivering the promised levelling up for our region is that uncertainties are addressed and resolved in order to build confidence.”