Leading business support organisation, the Forum of Private Business, has become a member of the government’s Northern Powerhouse Partnership Organisation.
As the latest Quarterly Regional Trade Data issued by Government showed Northern businesses lagging other regions in their contribution the UK’s economic success, Ian Cass, Chief Executive of the Forum highlighted the importance of local influencers working together in the drive to realise their true potential. 
Ian Cass, Chief Executive of the Forum said:
“The Northern Powerhouse initiative brings together partners who, working with common aims, are already realising the opportunities for growth in the North. This is not a North versus South competition, but rather a very clear focus on creating the environment where all our businesses can prosper and grow, in this instance in the North.
With a national membership of over 20,000 SME businesses we are committed to supporting businesses in all regions of the UK, and through our partnership with the Northern Powerhouse Programme we will be collaborating with other partner organisations in the area to build on the current momentum.”
Minister for the Northern Powerhouse, Jake Berry, MP said:
“I’m delighted to welcome the Forum of Private Business onto the Northern Powerhouse Programme. With its commitment to the business community, the Forum is a partner which is well placed to be an important contributor in creating a positive environment in which the businesss sector can boost jobs and generate economic growth in the north as we rebalance the economy and build a Britain for the future.”