The study analysed the fortunes of 74 cities with populations over 100,000 people. The resulting index is based on such factors changes in employment rates, levels of highly-qualified workers, the number and type of full-time jobs, net migration rates and population change.
So far, the UK governments’ ‘Northern Powerhouse’ and devolution agenda has focused on the core cities, the biggest cities in the country, with devolution deals already signed for areas such as Greater Manchester and Sheffield city region. But the report demonstrates the need for places like Middlesbrough to share in the benefits of investment and devolution.
Researchers at nearby Newcastle University helped with the report and found that growth in many northern cities was lagging significantly behind UK levels.
John Jennings who is working on the restoration of Commerce House and Exchange Place listed buildings in Central Middlesbrough said that;
Economic growth alone will not necessarily reduce poverty in cities, so comprehensive and integrated packages of long-term policies around economic development, employment and skills and infrastructure are needed and we’re pleased to be contributing in a small way with these restoration projects.
Ethical partnership has many clients who are custodians of historic buildings and we are please to be helping the owners of Commerce House and Exchange place in Middlesbrough