Northern Powerhouse Discussion on BBC Radio 4

The Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce hosted the recording of BBC Radio 4’s The Bottom Line this week where a distinguished panel discussed the concept of the Northern Powerhouse.

The audience had a chance to see presenter Evan Davis lead a discussion with the panel including Wayne Hemingway, entrepreneur and designer;  Vanda Murray, former CEO and an independent director on several boards, including Bunzl plc and Manchester Airports Group; Sir Richard Leese, leader of Manchester City Council Chair of Transport for the North; and Jo York, entrepreneur and co-founder, Reframed TV (based in Newcastle).

Evan Davis BBC

Backed by George Osbourne, the concept of a ‘Powerhouse’ is yet embryonic; it needs a defined approach that will provide the North with the structure to focus on building a more vibrant economy.

‘The North’ plays host to many international brands; indeed Stockport is a strong contributor with companies such as Adidas, MAN Diesel and NXP choosing to locate here.

The Northwest region has a wealth of talented professionals and entrepreneurs: manufacturing is still a strong sector and, following a recent technology event in Manchester hosted by Insider Magazine, Manchester and surrounding areas are being compared to Silicon Valley such is the digital innovation.

Outputs from the proposed Northern Powerhouse region demonstrate a competive and resilient alternative and diversity of offering.

But how should the Power House be physically defined? What challenges exist? These formed the basis of the discussion:

– Can a Northern Powerhouse bridge the economic gap between the north and south?

– Is there an advantages for businesses to cluster in one area?

– Does the Northern Powerhouse need a ‘hub’ like London? If so, where?

– How far can improved transport links change things?

– What types of businesses are likely to be attracted to the region?

– What is the role of culture in helping to achieve the northern powerhouse?

– What are the identities of the different cities and towns in the north?

Coming together will be a key focus – towns and cities working together despite geographical distances.

What about a central hub? – there were mixed views; Manchester was referenced due to the £1bn investment at Manchester Airport. Would this make the natural central point due to the transportation and logistics hub ?

Or what about a more ‘Polycentric’ approach? Not a geographical central hub but through connectivity – a better linked network of towns and cities within the Northern Powerhouse footprint.

Naturally, the discussion moved into transportation. Transportation systems need an upgrade.  The Northern Powerhouse will take in Liverpool – Manchester – Leeds – Sheffield – Newcastle and associated towns.

But despite being just 36 miles apart, Manchester to Sheffield route can take upto 90 minutes to commute. Manchester to Newcastle substantially longer than the distance suggests.

So, there are challenges to overcome to make connectivity useful and workable. We operate in an increasingly responsive Advances in broadband and speed of digital communication needs to be backed up by a slick transportation network.

There are other factors to the success of the plan – the perceptions of the North West, success stories and case studies. Investment in transportation, skills retention, connectivity, education and raising aspirations in the area.

The Bottom Line will be broadcast on 19th November on BBC Radio 4 at 8.30pm