The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), Confederation of British Industry (CBI) and North East Chamber of Commerce (NECC) are holding joint business audience hustings events ahead of the regional elections, due to take place on 2 May.

The leadership hustings, chaired and moderated by BBC Politics North presenter Richard Moss, will provide businesses across County Durham, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear with a platform to hear from and question their Mayoral candidates on their vision and ambitions for economic prosperity.

Candidates* for the first North East Mayoral election include:

Paul Donaghy (Reform UK)
Jamie Driscoll (Independent)
Andrew Gray (Green Party)
Aidan King (Liberal Democrat)
Kim McGuinness (Labour)
Guy Renner-Thompson (Conservative)
*Declared candidates correct at the time of writing

The new political role is the result of a devolution deal for the North East which will see major funding and decision-making powers handed down from the central government in Westminster.

The expanded North East devolution settlement, covering the seven local authorities across Northumberland, County Durham and Tyne and Wear, will see more than £4billion of investment and is expected to create 24,000 extra jobs, and leverage £5billion of private sector investment.

This event is only open to members of the FSB, CBI, and NECC.

Exact venue details will be shared 3 days ahead of the event as part of your joining instructions. Please ensure you provide a valid email address. 

Refreshments
Tea and coffee will be available. 

To enable FSB to deliver a high level of customer service at our events, and to tailor the content where appropriate, we will share your full name and business name with the host of the event you have registered to attend. The event hosts are representatives of FSB who irretrievably delete your details following the event.  Should you not consent your full name and business name being shared with the event host, please contact [email protected] within three working days of the event taking place, with details of the event.

Event Contact

•  For enquiries regarding the event, please contact Hayley Gallimore.