Business Secretary pledges to ‘turbocharge’ regions in fresh bid to ‘level up’

The North South divide was intolerable even before coronavirus - London’s economy is six times larger than Manchester’s, he said. Now the government will ‘turbocharge’ the regions to enable them to become global hubs in their own right.

He unveiled the ambition in a speech at the Confederation of British Industry annual conference when he also pledged government support for businesses ‘for as long as they need’.

His comments came before England is plunged back into a four-week lockdown on Thursday.

Speaking at the virtual event he said the success of the economy ’has long been poorly spread’.

He added: “The North East of England could become the home of choice for companies delivering carbon capture and storage.

“Making hydrogen power a part of daily life. And designing, building and maintaining offshore wind turbines.

“Our brilliant life sciences sector will be propelled to even greater heights from Oxford, Cambridge and Edinburgh.

“The factories of the Midlands will roar back into life, producing the advanced technologies of tomorrow.

“With a more strategic approach to supporting research and innovation in areas where the UK has the potential to both lead and change the world.

“We are doubling our investment in R&D.”

The government has announced further support to help businesses and try to protect jobs during lockdown. It includes an extension of the furlough scheme, grants of up to £3,000 for premises that are forced to close, and £1.1bn for local authorities to enable them to support businesses.

Giving an initial response to the lockdown announcement, British Chambers of Commerce director general Adam Marshall said business had been ‘hit hard by the unclear stop-start approach’, with little end in sight.

He added: “These new restrictions will be a devastating blow to business communities who have done everything in their power to adapt and operate safely.

“Many firms are in a much weaker position now than at the start of the pandemic, making it far more challenging to survive extended closures or demand restrictions.

He added: “The Government must not squander the time afforded through another lockdown to enable mass testing and fix Test and Trace systems.”

All the shops forced to close in new lockdown

Tram-trains expanding across UK after Sheffield pilot

Who can claim furlough and new rules for self-employed

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a digital subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.