Luke Myer, MP for Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland, hosted a roundtable of local Teesside and North Yorkshire businesses, alongside the North East Chamber of Commerce.
He discussed his commitment to fostering local business growth, boosting investment, and supporting workforce development. The event gathered business leaders, investors, and community advocates, creating an opportunity to address key topics such as investment, apprenticeships, and the essential skills needed for young adults entering the workforce.
He was joined by Rhiannon Bearne, Executive Director for Policy at the Chamber, who noted her work with Luke over previous years in his roles working in policy and discussed the work of the Chamber in providing a voice for business in the region.
In his address, Luke focused on Teesside’s critical role in the UK economy, highlighting the importance of investing in infrastructure and resources that enable regional businesses to thrive. He emphasised that long-term growth and prosperity are achievable only by supporting local businesses and providing pathways for skilled talent, particularly through apprenticeships.
“Our region has so much to offer, and by equipping young people with the skills businesses need, we are investing not only in their future but in the long-term success of our region,” he said.
One of the key points Luke addressed was the value of apprenticeships in bridging skill gaps and giving young adults real-world experience and job readiness. He urged businesses, education providers and government to consider the benefits of a joined-up approach to apprenticeships and skills programmes, not only for their positive impact on youth employment but also for their role in cultivating workforce readiness for local industries.
Luke also expressed concern over the rise of “soft skills” gaps, noting that many young people are facing challenges with effective communication, confidence, teamwork, and critical thinking. He underscored the need for a joint effort between government, schools, businesses, and the community to help young adults build these essential skills.
“Confidence, resilience, and the ability to communicate are as important as technical skills,” he noted, adding that “Businesses have been saying this for years. We must equip our young people not only to enter the workforce but to succeed and lead within it.”
Following the speech, Luke engaged with local businesses in a dynamic Q&A session, answering questions on topics ranging from small business support to strategies for retaining talent in the region. Businesses shared their enthusiasm and commitment to the region’s growth, echoing Luke’s call for collaborative efforts to drive prosperity across the North East.
Reflecting on the event, Luke said:
“Today’s discussion with the Chamber and its members reaffirms my belief in our local business community’s dedication and strength. By working together to invest in skills, create decent jobs, and support each other, we can make our region a beacon of opportunity and innovation.”
The NECC event provided a valuable platform for open dialogue and collaboration, with a focus on making Teesside a leader in business, skills, and investment for generations to come.
