30/04/10 - Visit to NEPIC at Wilton Centre

Greg Clark MP, Shadow Minister for Teesside, together with Paul Bristow the Conservative Candidate for Middlesbrough South & East Cleveland and North East MEP Martin Callahan, met with representatives of NEPIC, the North East of England Process Industry Cluster, to discuss the future of manufacturing in the region under a Conservative Government.

NEPIC members and other representatives updated the Conservative team on the Tees Valley Industrial Programme and other initiatives in the region.

Speaking after the visit Paul Bristow stated:

“Manufacturing is at the heart of our local economy. If the UK and Teesside is to achieve sustainable economic growth, Government need to recognise the importance of this sector. Even given its present challenges, the UK still has the sixth largest manufacturing economy in the world.

“Rather than burdening UK business with more burdensome red tape and complex regulatory schemes as the present Government have done, a Conservative Government would provide simple practical solutions to help UK manufacturing businesses to recover from the economic crisis. We would cancel Labour’s National Insurance tax on jobs and lower Corporation Tax so local firms can compete.”

Greg Clark stated:

“Teesside is on the brink of what could be a huge industrial breakthough.  The world demand for low carbon energy matches ideally Teesside& 39;s biggest assets - our expertise in the process industries, our proximity to the North Sea, and the skills we have in marine engineering. 

“I was delighted to meet with NEPIC to understand what is needed to make the most of this exciting potential.

“The frustration is that, depsite these advantages, we are losing ground to other countries in creating green jobs as a result of thirteen years of  Government dither and delay.  It is time for a Conservative government with the energy, ideas and commitment to turn Teesside’s potential into jobs.”