Populus Select

By Sim Hall, managing director of Populus Select & Research

I fear that the levelling up battle bus, which mowed down the naysayers and doubters in 2021 - as job after job was announced - is close to running out of fuel. We have job opportunities, but not the people. It’s time to reverse the ‘brain drain’ and bring home the North East’s diaspora.

For decades the main economic focus of politicians and campaigners in the North East has been on bringing well-paid, skilled jobs to our region. Now, with levelling up a key priority of the Government, our region - but especially Tees Valley - is having its day, with more than 80 civil service jobs currently going begging in Darlington, with a promise of around 1,500 more in the pipeline.

We have great job opportunities but lack candidates to fill them. Our gauge is on red, and we are scanning the horizon, looking for a petrol station or charging station to keep us on our journey.

The glimmer of hope – that forecourt lit in the distance - is that our region was once home to the talent that we need. For many years, we have seen the ‘brain drain’ of talent born, raised, and often educated here leave for brighter futures in London, Manchester, Leeds and abroad – leaving us leaving us with a skills shortage.

But our region’s moment in the spotlight is a chance to change that; not only are there opportunities for young people to start and build their careers here, but we have exciting roles with prospects that could draw talent back. And most importantly, keep them here.

My firm, Populus Select & Research, works with leading international companies to identify and recruit talent for specialist businesses. I understand through years of experience that when looking at a role, the job and wage isn’t always enough to convince a candidate to up sticks and relocate. They need to buy into the area where they will be living and working. A suitable family home. A good school. Leisure. And of course, the funds to support the move.

Our little slice of the North is ready to welcome home its diaspora with cultured towns and cities, beautiful coastline, rolling countryside and a lower cost of living offering a greater quality of life. But without a charm offensive, we will continue to be seen as Britain’s ‘flat cap and whippet’ region.

The government has a chance to address the issues I’ve mentioned before levelling up is left at the side of the road. Its long-awaited Levelling Up White Paper, which will finally give a definitive explanation of what exactly it means - and plans to achieve it - is due out today. It must go further than just creating jobs and opening the coffers to business investment, but look at addressing population inequalities, promoting regions as great places to live as well as work and incentivise relocation into the areas of need. It must give us the fuel we need to reach our destination and fulfil the North East’s potential.