en.Wedoany.com Reported - Stephen Hill, Managing Director of GRAHAM Civil Engineering, recently gave an interview on the "Northern Powerhouse" initiative, emphasizing that long-term investment in infrastructure and regional collaboration are key to rebalancing the UK economy. Hill noted that the North contributes approximately one-fifth of the UK's economic output, yet per capita infrastructure investment has been consistently lower than in other regions for years—an imbalance that urgently needs addressing.
Regarding progress since the initiative was launched eleven years ago, Hill described it as uneven, with the pandemic, geopolitical instability, and inflationary pressures slowing momentum. Some notable successes include investment in devolved transport networks and urban area regeneration, but implementation has been fragmented and concentrated in certain city centers, failing to reach rural, coastal, and sparsely populated areas of the North, which still face significant connectivity challenges.
On the appointment of metro mayors, Hill stated that mayors provide clearer leadership and regional advocacy, helping to foster unified thinking around infrastructure priorities and enabling partnerships between the public and private sectors. Recent momentum behind "Northern Powerhouse Rail" demonstrates the effectiveness of regional cooperation, but mayors' influence depends on actual powers and funding; greater control over devolved infrastructure funding would accelerate decision-making.
In terms of economic recovery, Hill believes construction and infrastructure are drivers of economic growth, and output should be increased to create jobs, strengthen supply chains, and unlock private investment. Implementing transformative programs like "Northern Powerhouse Rail," while improving road networks, water infrastructure, and local transport connections, will reduce growth barriers and boost investor confidence. Hill emphasized that discussion must translate into action.
On priority issues for the agenda, Hill pointed out that skills must be at the top; the industry needs to invest in training and apprenticeships to attract the next generation into civil engineering. Since 2021, GRAHAM's projects have supported over 31,000 apprenticeship weeks, equivalent to 599 full-time equivalent apprentices.
Regarding collaboration among northern towns, Hill noted that cooperation has significantly improved, with initiatives like the "Northern Growth Strategy" and the "Great Northern Partnership Approach" demonstrating that regional success depends on collective action. However, collaboration must extend beyond major urban areas to connect the broader local networks that underpin the northern economy.
On the benefits of a successful agenda for businesses, Hill stated that success would bring long-term certainty for companies like GRAHAM, enabling strategic planning, expanding the workforce, investing in plant and equipment, and accelerating the adoption of digital technologies and modern delivery methods. A stable, visible pipeline of infrastructure work would encourage contractors and suppliers to invest in skills and operational capacity, fostering stronger, longer-term regional supply chain partnerships.
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