Business leaders to advise South Tyneside
Business leaders from across the North East have agreed to be part of a special board to drive forward ambitious plans to invigorate South Tyneside's economy.
This prestigious Economic Regeneration Board has been created by South Tyneside Council as part of the re-launched South Tyneside Partnership.
The Leader of South Tyneside Council, Councillor Iain Malcolm and Chief Executive, Martin Swales are delighted to welcome high-profile leaders, such as former Managing Director of Tyne Tees Television and Chairman of One North East, Margaret Fay; Chief Executive of the Port of Tyne, Andrew Moffat; Vice-President of Nissan, Kevin Fitzpatrick and Site Director of Siemens, Des Young who have all pledged their support as members of the Board.*
This new Board will meet on a quarterly basis and will provide advice, challenge and support on the economic growth and regeneration of South Tyneside. It will act as a strategic interface between the South Tyneside Partnership and the north eastern LEP and others.
The first meeting on Thursday 20 October 2011 set the scene for a new economic vision for South Tyneside. Acting as Interim Chair, South Tyneside Council's Lead Member for Regeneration, Economic Growth and Jobs, Councillor Michael Clare welcomed Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) Chairman, Paul Woolston as guest speaker to the first meeting of the Board. Paul gave a perspective on the national and new regional economic architecture.
Leader of South Tyneside Council, Councillor Iain Malcolm said: "Times are really tough for everyone but we have an unshakable vision for South Tyneside and we are determined to invest in our future. We need to create a vibrant economy by safeguarding existing jobs and encouraging inward investment. We want today's key players to be a part of this exciting next phase of improvement for the people of South Tyneside."
Councillor Michael Clare said: "We want to generate a step change in the local economy. With our fantastic tourism offer and world-class schools we already have excellent foundations. We would like to build on these by maximising the opportunity of our riverside assets, foreshore and the A19 strategic transport corridor."
Chief Executive of South Tyneside Council, Martin Swales, said: "We are bringing together a body of experts that can offer advice, challenge our thinking and ultimately test out emerging proposals and our strategic direction over the medium and longer term.
"South Tyneside already has many great businesses in sectors such as manufacturing, services and retail but still lives with the loss of the big traditional coalmining and shipyard industries; so together, we are setting a strategy for growth based on the creation of a new economic model.
"With the Board's involvement and support we can help bring prosperity to South Tyneside and achieve our ambitions to fulfil a more prominent role in the region."
Other members of the Economic Regeneration Board include:
Principal of South Tyneside College, Lindsay Whiterod
Regional Director of BT, Chris Sayers
Chief Executive of One North East, Alan Clarke
Director, Contact Centre Professional Ltd, Shona Harper
Managing Director of MI Dickson Ltd, Michael Dickson
Chairman of South Tyneside NHS Foundation Trust, Peter Davidson
Managing Director of Dunes Adventure Island, Ken Reader
