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The North East's economy is relatively weak, but we can achieve greater prosperity. Philanthropy can play an important role.

Vital issues

Getting skilled up is the only way North East workers are going to improve their situation, and help build the local economy. Charitable funding supports projects that give them the confidence and opportunities to do so.

Coping with a changing economy isn’t always easy. Whether you’re an individual facing redundancy, or a community looking to set up a social enterprise, the chances are the voluntary sector will be there to offer help. Philanthropic funding is needed to support such work.

Our vibrant community and cultural life has encouraged outside companies to invest in the North East. Hundreds of charitably-funded projects help ensure this remains part of the region’s unique offer.

3%

The North East has the lowest productivity of any region in England and Wales, accounting for just 3% of the national total

£9,472

The public sector now spends £9,472 per person in the North East, £300 less than in 2012

10%

Number of people in the North East who are self-employed

Background

There is a growing consensus within the region as to how we may achieve greater prosperity. But the North East faces something of an uphill slog in that the regional economy is characterised by low productivity, an over-dependence on the public sector and lower than average levels of entrepreneurship than in the country as a whole. We also have disadvantages, especially in digital and transport infrastructure. Yet there is encouraging progress through plans to build on the potential to attract inward investment in areas such as life sciences and health, automotive and aerospace industries, digital, offshore and sub-sea technology, oil, gas and renewables, advanced manufacturing and tourism.

As suggested in the sections on Work and Learning, philanthropy has a role in supporting this by encouraging entrepreneurialism and skills development, and ensuring that the benefits of growth extend to our most disadvantaged communities. Charitable funding can also help voluntary organisations provide a safety net to those individuals and communities for whom changes in the regional economy create short-term hardship, as traditionally important sectors, businesses and industries give way to new ones.

But perhaps the most important role for philanthropy is to underpin the contribution of the voluntary and community sector to the region’s quality of life. Since our future economic success depends on persuading the rest of the world that the North East is a great place to live, work and visit, this is vital.

The North East's economy is relatively weak, but we can achieve greater prosperity. Philanthropy can play an important role.

Vital issues

3%

£9,472

10%

Background

Contact Mark Pierce

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