BUSINESS BREAKFAST ROUNDTABLE
It was a pleasure to host a business breakfast round-table event last week at Hitachi's Aycliffe factory.
I spoke to attendees about what I’ve been doing to help local businesses to get their voices heard more in Parliament.
I also met local business leaders and students and spoke about how Government investments in the region will continue to help economic growth, create good jobs, and stronger supply chains.
It was also good to get an update from Hitachi's Doug Mcllroy. Highlights included:
There are currently 286 Hitachi trains carrying passengers across the UK.
61 new trains are currently in manufacture.
Hitachi are still in the midst of completing 127 trains for the Intercity Express Programme on the East coast mainline.
750 jobs have been created at Hitachi Aycliffe so far - plus 1,400 indirect.
£15.2m has been invested in R&D to develop a battery system in the UK.
Aycliffe's factory has contributed £413.7m to the UK's GVA to date.