TaperedPlus Ltd

In the latest instalment of Insider's Q&A series on the Northern Powerhouse, Aman Chahal, chief executive of Stockton-on-Tees-based TaperedPlus

How is the appointment of metro mayors starting to help the initiative?

They represent dynamic and positive figureheads, someone that people readily recognise and relate to and who act as an advocate for their area to drive forward change. Tees Valley mayor Ben Houchen is a perfect example of a metro mayor who is making things happen and as a result he has put the Tees Valley on the map not just in the North but nationally.

What needs to be done to help the North recover from the Covid-19 pandemic?
I'd like to see an extension of the grants introduced to support businesses during the pandemic, specifically an initiative around training and employment that incentivises small businesses to take on additional staff and upskill. This would stimulate the local economy by creating employment opportunities and allowing companies to grow their capacity and improve productivity.

What is the single main issue you would like to see dominate the Northern Powerhouse agenda?
The Northern Powerhouse agenda must remain focused on improving infrastructure and connectivity. Both are interlinked to creating employment opportunities. Whilst work is being carried out to improve the rail network, port facilities, together with the renaissance of Teesside International Airport, links to other parts of the country must be made easier to attract businesses to make their home here and to bring the regions closer together. As a national leader in the design and supply of flat roofing systems and insulation, TaperedPlus works throughout the UK and Europe so would definitely benefit from further investment in infrastructure and connectivity.

Is there enough collaboration between towns and cities across the North?
It's time to break down those traditional rivalries that have grown over centuries between towns, cities, and regions, across the North. The Northern Powerhouse has created a realisation that the North is stronger and can achieve more together and that means greater collaboration. There is always room for improvement, but the foundations have been laid that allow us to act together in the best interests of the entire North of England.

How would the success of the Northern Powerhouse agenda benefit your business?
I believe it will allow my business to grow by creating fresh opportunity, generating additional investment, and highlighting the innovative products, services, and skills that the North possesses in abundance. Further investment in skills and training will allow us to both curb the brain drain and attract people to the region by creating even more high-quality jobs.