Look at north-east England

Its own regional development agency says that north-east England ‘requires major changes in attitudes, perceptions and a reduction in bureaucracy. The very best qualities of leadership are needed, as are role models in businesses, communities, organisations and economic partnerships.’

Between 1981 and 1997, the region lost over 110,000 jobs in primary and manufacturing industries. Although less than 16 per cent of the workforce is still employed in manufacturing, the sector remains an important element in the economy. The economic base has diversified into new areas such as microelectronics, the offshore industry, biotechnology and automotives. There has also been significant growth in the service sector, public administration, education and health. Retail is also important, accounting for 10 per cent of all businesses, while tourism is estimated to support over 55,000 jobs in the region.

Despite this diversification, the region is still dealing with the economic, social and structural consequences of its past dependence on traditional industries. Significant clusters of deprivation exist within Easington, Middlesbrough, Hartlepool and Sunderland, and 17 of the 23 local authorities have areas that fall within the 20 per cent of the country that makes up the most deprived places in England.

Currently the north-east has less than 60 per cent of the national average of businesses per head of population. Growing the regional company base and raising productivity will drive up wealth creation. All companies in manufacturing or service industries need to become more innovative, more reactive to changing customer needs, and to build creative, enterprising and highly skilled workforces.

Sectors identified for development include: automotive, base chemicals, bioscience, clothing and textiles, creative industries, defence and precision engineering, digital, electronics, environmental industries, food and drink, nanotechnology, offshore, pharmaceuticals and speciality chemicals, and tourism. In 2000 there were only 21 new start-ups for every 10,000 people in the north-east compared with 38 per 10,000 in the UK as a whole.

At present 67 per cent of the region’s adult workforce has a Level 2 or Level 3 qualification, compared with 74 per cent in the south-east, and over 25 per cent have problems with literacy and/or numeracy. There is now great emphasis on raising the aspirations of young people at Key Stage 3 and beyond.

Business spending on research and development has been weak at 0.6 per cent of GDP, compared with 1.2 per cent in the UK as a whole. Airports, ports, railways and roads provide vital links to both the UK, Europe and beyond, playing an important role in economic development and regeneration.

Large numbers of Service people return to the north-east after leaving the Forces. They generally find that they have skills that can be used in the local economy, and are also helped by relatively affordable housing, family networks and a good road/rail system that offers more flexible ways to travel to work.

Unemployment within the region varies, from 4.9 per cent in Middlesbrough to 2.8 per cent in Darlington. Public administration, education and health are major employment areas, although Leeds is now the largest financial and legal centre outside London. Pharmaceuticals, construction, social care and digital industries are also fruitful fields for job-seekers. There are possible openings for Service leavers with NVQ assessor experience.

Opportunities and skills shortages

There is a constant demand for those working in construction trades such as carpenters, bricklayers, plasterers, plumbers, electricians and painters/decorators. LGV drivers and mechanics are also needed, while the telecommunications, IT and computing industries are the subject of new initiatives to reinvigorate them. Other sectors looking to fill vacancies include administration, hospitality (although low-paid and normally seasonal), nursing, factory production (generally not pursued by Service leavers unless with major companies) and accounting.

Employer news

Argos is building a distribution centre in Darlington, creating 700 jobs, while the Teesside International Airport expansion will create 2,000 jobs at the airport and a further 4,000 indirectly. British Airways call centre employment in Newcastle is set to rise by 230, Amtel on north Tyneside is employing 150 more people and Greggs Bakers in Newcastle is taking on 150 additional staff members. Other expanding companies included Alvis Vickers in Newcastle, Amec in North Tyneside and VA Tech Reyrolle Ltd in South Tyneside.

Salaries

A rough guide to salaries in the region is given below. This is inevitably very general and there will be variations between industries and also in various parts of the north-east.

Manual £10,000 to £13,000

Semi-skilled £12,000 to £16,000

Skilled and supervisory £16,000 to £22,000

Managerial £19,000 to £30,000

Executive £30,000 to £45,000 and upwards

House price guide

The following prices are a rough guide only to property prices and are liable to overnight change as financial factors in the country as well as in the region affect housing.

Location 2-bed terrace 2-bed flat 3-bed semi 4-bed detached

City £85,000 £100,000 £180,000 £205,000

Town £75,000 £90,000 £160,000 £185,000

Country £65,000 £80,000 £140,000 £165,000