It’s time to play to our strengths

Most of the business leaders contributing to this special Yorkshire Post supplement agree on that point.

Another common theme is the concern felt over the impact of public sector spending cuts in a region that is to a large extent reliant on the taxpayer to support its economy.

These cuts will play out in the form of redundancies, cancelled or delayed capital projects and wage freezes. With an economy worth around £80bn, a reduction in spending of 10 per cent would result in a significant contraction in income – and that’s going to hurt.

All eyes, therefore, will be on the private sector. Is it up to the challenge? I believe so. The contributions reveal some hope, but also some caution and uncertainty.

The important messages to take from this supplement are that success will come from the ability to innovate and invest and that we need strong leaders who can articulate clear visions about the future of Yorkshire. The new local enterprise partnerships will be key to this leadership.

Financial institutions like Yorkshire Bank have a commitment to lend to small businesses, so vital to our continued prosperity.

Advisers like PwC report that business leaders now know how to handle their companies in a challenging environment. Corporate financiers are seeing increasing mergers and acquisitions activity, another positive sign.

Big employers like Asda and Morrisons are hiring from all sections of society and investing in training to help keep young people engaged and motivated.

A cautious optimism does, indeed, pervade this supplement. Yorkshire is home to some clever and enterprising businesses. In 2011, they must rise up and show their true worth. As in cricket, a strong Yorkshire means a strong England.