OPINION

43

Reflections on Levelling Up

A few thoughts from Mike Briffett, Leeds Chamber President

Over the last few weeks, I have had quite a few conversations with businesses across Leeds and at UK Real Estate Investment and Infrastructure Forum (UK REIIF) earlier in May, was able to listen to a wide range of views on the opportunities and challenges facing the City and the Region. I have been reflecting on those conversations and in particular the often talked about ‘Levelling Up’ agenda that formed part of the current Government election manifesto. The Chamber has always existed to promote the interests of the business community, whilst recognising that a strong economy can support the wider challenges of developing a fairer, more inclusive society. Economic growth in the UK has been below 1% since around 2008. Prior to that and for most of the post war years it was 2-3%. We have to solve the productivity conundrum in the North to be able to promote our talent, create opportunity, build more affordable housing and tackle climate issues to name just a few. Leeds is one of the few net contributors to HM Treasury in the North and could do so much more with greater support. Which brings us back to ‘Levelling Up.’ What does it mean to me and what role should the Chamber be playing in supporting our colleagues in the public sector and across the region to effect meaningful change? There are some incredible success stories in Leeds and West & North Yorkshire, but there is also a noticeable resigned frustration at the challenges that come from working in the region in a global economy. In typical Yorkshire spirit we just get on with things, but I wonder if we need a much stronger message to be relayed. Our responsibility is to create a level playing field, providing the opportunities for talent to reach opportunity, whether that be education, skills, business or culture. If we do that many of the other challenges we face will solve themselves. Successful cities and regions need great infrastructure to support safe, economical and effective travel, better connecting us to each other. Right now, we don’t have that and the opening of the Elizabeth Line in London whilst a feat of engineering triumph, serves only to highlight the challenge Leeds is facing as it seeks to tap in to the wealth of talented people that live here and create a more inclusive society. Recent decisions on HS2 and Leeds Bradford Airport, don’t help us to achieve our potential. I believe that Levelling Up can work and our region can continue to play a significant role, but it needs significant long term commitments and some brave decisions from Government.