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This is a statement from Martin Swales, Chief Executive of South Tyneside Metropolitan Council and Solace Spokesperson on Economic Prosperity and Housing:

Solace welcomes the Industrial Strategy.

Solace believes that the focus on solid economics within a context of local inclusive growth will positively support the UK economy. The policy intention of inclusive growth must be pursued if we are to see a genuine distribution of economic opportunity across the country and a true rebalancing of the economy.

Following the Brexit decision, there was a clear commitment to a stronger socio-economic policy direction. In turn, Senior Civil Servants have been open and engaging with Solace about the Industrial Strategy which has supported the formation of our collective response to the consultation.

For several years we have been working with the language of ‘deal’ making, City Deals, Devolution Deals and we are now able to frame local and regional deals around investible propositions within an Industrial Strategy. Solace believes we should respond positively to this opportunity and work with national Government to deliver together.

However, there remain challenges that will need to be addressed, such as incentives for inward investors in a globally competitive environment, greater certainty about replacement EU funding and ongoing financial support for emerging projects.

Solace will continue to work with Government and our partner organisations to drive more inclusive, place-sensitive growth as the Industrial Strategy evolves.