NE1 chief exec issues strong warning to Prime Minister Lizz Truss demanding “swift, bold and decisive action”

The Chief Executive of NE1 has issued a strong message to incoming Prime Minister Lizz Truss after the new Conservative leader was elected on Monday.

NE1 is a Business Improvement District that works closely with businesses in Newcastle and runs some of Geordies most loved events such as NE1 Restaurant Week and the Tyne Bridge zip wire as part of Summer in the City.

The group strive to strengthen the city's economy whether it be through events, marketing, training or tourism.

Chief Executive Stephen Patterson has demanded that Ms Truss takes "swift, bold and decisive action" in order to help the city's businesses.

He said: “The new Prime Minister and her cabinet need to hit the ground running to deliver a radical package of support to tackle the cost-of-living crisis for people and businesses.

"Swift, bold, and decisive action is needed now, without delay, to avert a crisis that, if not addressed, could leave many hundreds of thousands of people without jobs. Leaving many families not just with concerns about how they pay the fuel bills, but how they pay any bills.

"Make no mistake, the crisis facing business is every bit as severe as that presented by Covid. Businesses are planning for the winter now and they need reassurance, clarity, and solutions from Government immediately.

"As such, we call on the Prime Minister and her cabinet to work with BIDs and businesses on solutions to the collective challenges we face. Our new Government cannot afford to dither and fumble this ball at such an important time.”