Upbeat message for North-West

THE North-West can emerge stronger and well equipped for the future thanks to Government measures to stem the flow of the economic downturn.

Beverley Hughes, Minister for the North-West, said that everything possible was being done to help families and businesses, protect jobs and homes, support companies and stimulate the economy

She has set up and chairs the Joint Economic Commission (JEC) for the North-West to monitor the region’s economic performance and identify action to help ease the pressure on families and businesses.

She said: “My message to individuals, families and businesses in Greater Manchester in 2009 is positive in that everything possible is being done both nationally and regionally to help individuals, families and businesses.

“But I recognise that the economic downturn is having an impact now, on the lives of many people in Greater Manchester and we must all pull together to make sure that our people and our region are best placed to deal with its consequences and emerge stronger in the long term

“I have set up the commission to bring together public sector agencies, the third sector and regional business representatives to consider how regional partners can work together most effectively to respond to current economic changes and identify opportunities going forward.”