NECC members' plan to grill Mayoral candidates with their 'mini manifesto'

A mini Mayoral Manifesto has been produced by businesses in the Tees Valley, who are seeking to quiz all serious candidates ahead of the forthcoming election.

NECC members have put forward measures they want to see adopted by any incoming Mayor - and set out measures they believe will help grow the economy of Middlesbrough, bringing renewed prosperity to the town.

In “Bringing Prosperity to Middlesbrough: A Manifesto for Candidates for Mayor of Middlesbrough 2015”, NECC members on Teesside say their priorities include strong leadership to progress stalled planning developments and a business rates review.

Middlesbrough Area Group Chair, Peter Broome, who is Senior Partner with Python Properties, said: “The document is not designed to be a “wish list” and our members recognise the financial constraints the council is under.

“However, many of the points outlined in the document require strong political leadership and working with partners rather than large amounts of funding.

“NECC is sending this document to all candidates in the hope that it will help them pull together manifestos, inform debate and ensure economic development is at the forefront of strategic thinking.

“However, NECC remains an apolitical organisation and will not be offering endorsement to any candidate.”

Among the priorities for businesses in the Middlesbrough are:

· Strong leadership in use of planning powers to progress stalled development

· Review of Council’s approach to business rates in the Town Centre

· A register of industrial premises and new incubator workshop space for non-enterprise zone industries

· Work with University to retain graduates and increase graduate start-ups

· Lead on work with UKTI and LEP to ensure Middlesbrough’s offer is known to potential inward investors, particularly in re-shoring

· Link schools and industry, providing experience, internships and apprenticeships

· Maximise the economic benefit from the events programme and lead feasibility work into national events which could be brought to the town.

· A housing programme which encourages individuals in highly paid Tees Valley jobs to relocate and live in the area.

NECC Head of Member Relations, Rachel Anderson, said: “Middlesbrough is home to a host of fantastic, modern businesses, boasts a vibrant town centre and is a town on the up, but more must be done to make sure that our political leaders are in tune with the needs and aspirations of our business community.

“The point of this mini manifesto is to not only spell out the measures that businesses need to thrive, but also demonstrate the will of our members to work closely with the future mayor to ensure Middlesbrough remains a fantastic place to live, work and visit.”