The UK has a positive perception of the Tees Valley economy and the area’s business opportunities according to research undertaken at the country’s largest housing conference.
The study, which took place at the Chartered Institute of Housing conference, was spearheaded by leading local housing and regeneration companies Vela, Coast & Country, Fabrick and North Star and Tees Valley Unlimited, the Local Enterprise Partnership for Tees Valley.
The majority of those who took part in the study were aware that more jobs have been created than lost during the last 12 months and that 12 Enterprise Zones have been designated in the Tees Valley.
Visitors to the Tees Valley ‘Open for Business’ stand at the CIH conference were asked to fill in a short questionnaire.
The key findings are:
80 percent were aware that a major steel plant recently had re-opened at Redcar.
75 percent knew that £30m was being invested in housing projects by housing associations and local authorities in Tees Valley between now and 2015.
60 percent knew that there are 12 Enterprise Zone locations in the Tees Valley.
59 percent were aware that the Tees Valley is in the North East England.
59 percent knew that more job gains than losses had been announced in the Tees Valley between April 2011 – 2012.
The Tees Valley housing and regeneration companies took the opportunity to promote the area as a fantastic place to live and work, as well as promoting the development of new sectors including renewables and digital. The Tees Valley Perception Survey helped gauge delegates knowledge and of the area.
Stephen Catchpole, Tees Valley Unlimited Managing Director, said: -Our research demonstrates that key messages about emerging opportunities and investment being made in Tees Valley are starting to have an impact outside the area.
With Tees Valley LEP tasked to help stimulate economic growth and job creation, it is vital that we engage with representatives from a wide range of sectors so it was important for Tees Valley to have a strong presence at the UK’s largest housing conference.
The study and the ‘Open for Business’ initiative presented ideal platforms for us to inform a wider audience of our progress and what future opportunities will be available within the Tees Valley area.
Cath Purdy, Vela Group Chief Executive, said: -The Tees Valley Perception Study has demonstrated how awareness of the strides being made to improve the area’s economic fortunes is spreading.
The message that the Tees Valley is open for business, eager to build on existing successes and an ideal location for companies to invest in or move to is making its mark.
Housing associations, like Vela, also are making a significant contribution to boosting the local economy.
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