The astounding pace of the rollout of Covid-19 vaccines in the UK gives great hope to us all that life will begin to return to normal sooner rather than later. However, although this is of great reassurance to the region, many businesses need to be able to survive in the present until they can rebuild and grow in the future.
One of the encouraging things to come out of such a devastating and challenging COVID landscape, is the generosity of businesses throughout our region. Many have pulled together to assist those in need, reinforcing our supportive community and proving why our region is a leading area in which to do business.
At the North East Initiative on Business Ethics, we see outstanding examples of good business ethics and responsible business all the time but, there are always exceptions. Our challenge is to encourage those businesses to reflect on their practices and evolve. By doing so, we hope to give confidence to foreign direct investors and potential SME start-ups.
That is why we fully support the Open North Foundation and are delighted that two of our directors, Caroline Theobald and Kevan Carrick, were invited to be Ambassadors of the foundation.
Post-covid and Brexit, we are all going to have to make efforts to get out of this economic recession as quickly and effectively as possible. We need good local businesses to help the region grow and increase jobs. So, we must ensure that as many businesses as possible survive the hardship of the pandemic. That is why the support of those in the business community who are able to help, do so. It is crucial, whether it be financial or in kind. It will mean the difference between survival and closure for many of our great region’s businesses.
Kevan Carrick,
Chair
North East Initiative on Business Ethics, and
Member, JK Property Consultants LLP
