Think North East First campaign launches today

Jan 31 2009 by Rob Pattinson, The Journal

TODAY The Journal launches a new campaign to support the North East through the global financial crisis.

We believe the best chance of recovery for the region lies in pulling together and coordinating our efforts.

That’s why we’re asking families and businesses to Think North East First.

The success of our Taste campaign’s effort to encourage people to “buy local, use local, eat local”, has shown the impact the united buying power of our readership can have.

Now we’re asking families and businesses to treat every spending occasion as an opportunity to reinvest in the region’s economy.

The North East offers a vast variety of home grown products and services. And it is home to some of the UK’s most spectacular places to visit plus a huge amount of history and culture.

If we strive to buy locally, more wealth can be kept here and we can watch the value of every pound spent multiply.

Our backers already include Sir John Hall, the Duke and Duchess of Northumberland, One North East, Newcastle and Sunderland football clubs, the NewcastleGateshead Initiative, Nissan, Sir Peter Vardy, Beamish, transport group Go North East, Newcastle Falcons, the North East Chamber of Commerce (NECC), Northumbrian Water, and outdoor clothing retailer Berghaus.

Now we would like to know how The Journal and its readers can make a difference. What would be the most effective way we could help your firm as the recession strikes? What would it take just to tip the balance in favour of survival or success for your company?

Journal editor Brian Aitken said: “We believe now’s the time for the North East to show its collective spirit and rally round for the good of the region.

“This region is rich in companies that offer fantastic goods and services as well as some brilliant places to spend a day out or a holiday. Just by thinking North East before spending money, people in can make a tangible difference.”

Last night former Newcastle United owner and prominent businessman Sir John Hall dubbed Think North East First a “clarion call” to the region.

“We need to get the spirit going again, it’s about pride,” said the MetroCentre founder, who has guided his business empire through three recessions.

“There’s a lack of confidence at the moment. Someone needs to bind us, and lead us out of this. Someone needs to make us feel good again.

“The Journal is leading a clarion call to the region, which we need to follow. When investors start to feel good, that’s when we will start to emerge. The idea behind this campaign is bringing people and ideas together, and that’s what we need.

“There is a difficult time ahead, and I think things will get worse before they get better. We need to pull together. The North Easterner has always had to fight, so fighting will not be a problem. We can fight for survival, it’s in us. We have that quality.

“The situation seems to echo the words of Kennedy. Ask not what the region can do for you, but what you can do for your region.”

Alan Clarke, One North East chief executive, voiced his support. Last week, The Journal joined forces with the regional development agency to support its Real Help for Businesses Now campaign which aims to support businesses during the downturn.

Mr Clarke said: “This clear and simple campaign will resonate with people and businesses across the North East. I welcome The Journal’s call to action which typifies the newspaper’s support for the region, its communities, businesses and people.”

A spokesman for Nissan, which has been hit hard by the fall in demand for cars, said the firm “fully supported” the campaign and pledged to play its part by continuing to invest in the region.

“Over the last 25 years, we have benefited enormously from the experienced and dedicated workforce in the region, and despite the current difficult environment, I am confident Nissan will continue to prosper in the North East for many years to come,” he said.

“Central to our success has been the ongoing support of successive national and local governments, regional authorities and training providers and now, more than ever, it is essential these bodies continue to work closely with business to help steer the North East through these unprecedented times.”

The Duke and Duchess of Northumberland also added their support.

“Tourism is a vital part of our business, we’re delighted to ask families in the region to Think North East First,” said the Duke.

“We employ more than 300 staff across our estates and 200 workers in Alnwick Garden in high season, so we understand the importance of the campaign. From a farming perspective I know a demand for local products will benefit our farmers immensely. I think it’s a great campaign and I wish The Journal all the best.”

The Duchess said: “As far as Alnwick Castle and Alnwick Garden goes, we source locally wherever possible. We work with businesses and help them develop products which we can sell, then help them package and price them.

“When diners come to the tree house (restaurant), I think they enjoy knowing the food has been produced locally, and we are in a fantastic position for sourcing fresh fish and game.”

NECC chief executive James Ramsbotham said: “If there are people in the region waiting to experience the thousands of fantastic businesses and services it offers, then there has never been a better time than now.

“We’re delighted to ask all of our members to Think North East First.”