Region has the energy to thrive

Feb 3 2010 by Adrian Pearson, The Journal

THE region’s energy industry has added its voice to The Journal’s campaign to protect the North East’s identity.

Our Case for the North East has set out the challenges facing a regional economy worth more than £40bn a year.

Changes to the North East’s spending powers alongside a shake-up in major arts quangos have put our regional identity at risk.

Local politicians and businesses leaders have called on ministers to hold back from interfering in successful regional structures and partnerships.

Their words have formed a clear warning against plans to split up the region into smaller districts competing against one another.

And as we set out the reasons why any future Government should make the most of the North East, businesses have joined us to push the region’s case.

Last night Durham based NOF Energy, a not-for-profit group working with major energy companies, warned of the benefits of losing that regional approach.

Bosses at the group said the region was among the best placed in the UK to benefit from the new focus on renewable energy and green manufacturing jobs.

George Rafferty, chief executive at NOF Energy, said the oil, gas and offshore sectors were all better placed to bring jobs to the region by working together.