Strategy

Assistant Chief Executive - Strategy: Pat Ritchie 0191 229 6223

Responsible for:

• Identifying the region’s economic development strengths and weaknesses.
• Developing the Regional Economic Strategy (RES) on behalf of the Region.
• Influencing European, central Government and local partners activities and spending in the interests of the region and RES priorities.
• Developing the Agency’s strategic priorities and programmes accordingly.

Policy and Strategy Team

Implementing the RES, working with key partners to identify their respective contributions as well as coordinating the content of the Corporate Plan. Also responsible for the Northern Way and coordinating national policy input.
Head: Nick Muse 0191 229 6636

European & Skills Strategy Team

Developing the areas of Skills and Higher Education, Economic Inclusion and the European 2007-13 ERDF programme. A key role for the team is to better understand the skill needs of the labour market and to influence mainstream funding to meet regional priorities.
Head: Lesley Calder 0191 229 6350

Strategic Economic Change Team

Provides direction for the business, enterprise, innovation and overall economic structure elements of the Regional Economic Strategy and Action Plan.  This role will extend into the Integrated Strategy as it develops.
Head: Chris Pywell 0191 229 6643

Environment & Infrastructure Team

Developing the quality of place agenda, transport, planning, housing, rural and environment. Also responsible for strategic links with the Sub Regional Partnerships (SRPs) and other key partners such as Local Councils.
Head: Tom Warburton 0191 229 6637