Estates Gazette quotes Claire Fallows on the 'Great North' initiative launched at this year's UKREiiF

Private sector players have welcomed an initiative from Northern mayors aiming to unlock opportunities for the region and add £118bn to the wider UK economy over the next decade.

The Great North, which was launched at UKREiiF and endorsed by deputy prime minister Angela Rayner, forms a part of the government’s devolution strategy and Plan for Change initiative. 

The initial partnership brings together eight mayors, including chair Kim McGuinness, mayor for the North East. Speaking to Estates Gazette about the initiative, McGuinness comments:

I spoke to many people in the business world at UKREiiF who said they are very excited about the potential that the Great North has. They recognise the benefit in placing more power in the hands of mayors because that means investors have more clarity and assurance that the people they are dealing with on a local level have the power and autonomy to effect real change.

Claire Fallows, Partner in our Planning, Infrastructure & Environment team, also comments in the piece. She argues:

The initiative should boost confidence and help facilitate private capital investment, particularly in areas such as infrastructure and clean energy.

Read the full article in Estates Gazette here (subscription required).