HISTORIC PRESS RELEASE : Tackling the productivity challenge – Alan Milburn takes the debate to Manchester [January 1999]

The press release issued by HM Treasury on 22 January 1999.

The Government’s approach to tackling the productivity challenge was outlined today in Manchester by the new Chief Secretary Alan Milburn.

Speaking at the sixth in a series of joint national Productivity Roadshows, held at Manchester International Airport, he said:

“The Government is committed to seeing all the regions and nations of the UK sharing in sustainable economic prosperity. My presence here today is part of the Government’s commitment to consultation with businesses and local communities about how best we can achieve that.

The challenge we face as a country is serious. Our productivity is way behind that of our competitors. Success requires a long-term approach, a range of initiatives and policies to address the problems holding us back; – long-term economic stability – more and better investment – a skills revolution – a strong small business sector – investment in science, turning inventions into products and jobs – modern public services, with new standards, targets and disciplines The prize for us all is a Britain more equipped for the challenges ahead, ready to ensure greater employment opportunity and prosperity for our people in the years ahead.”

Mr Milburn was joined at the roadshow by Minister for Energy and Industry John Battle and Minister for the Regions Richard Caborn.

Mr Battle said: “One key issue facing Britain is how we rise to the challenge of global competition. The Competitiveness White Paper has set out this Government’s ambitious agenda. One that encourages enterprise, innovation, new ideas and processes. It is for business to create prosperity. The Government’s role is to create the right climate for business success. That is what we are doing.

To create a Britain fit to compete in the future it is vital that we make sure the voice of business is heard in Whitehall. That is why events like today are so important.”

Mr Caborn said:

“A key factor in increasing the nation’s productivity is to improve the competitiveness of the regions. That is the job of the eight new Regional Development Agencies (RDAs) in England that we have set up. They will be responsible for developing strategies for economic decision making at the regional level. They will be the building blocks of a prosperous economy.”