'˜Yorkshire can play a vital role in Industrial Strategy, if it agrees of devolution' - CBI boss

The views were expressed after the Government unveiled its long-awaited Industrial Strategy which it said would tackle the UK’s poor productivity, embrace technological change and boost wages.

The strategy received a warm welcome for business leaders and pledges to make the UK the world’s most innovative nation by 2030 by investing millions in areas such as energy efficient homes and medical science.

However Mr Carberry said that much of the plan for how this would be delivered would involve devolved powers to the regions and that this should act as an imperative for Yorkshire’s political leaders to “get on with it”.

A total of £725m will go into a fund over the next three years, on top of previously announced £1bn towards projects - although ministers said around £80bn could be invested in advanced technology in the next decade.

Announcing the launch Prime Minsiter Theresa May said: “Our modern Industrial Strategy will shape a stronger and fairer economy for decades to come.”

However Mr Carberry told The Yorkshire Post that much of the strategy’s implementation would involve devolved powers to local mayors.

He said: “It is clear that the Government has a very specific framework for devolution and that this will be a critical part of growth in the north. Yorkshire needs to be in a position to make progress on a deal and businesses have been very clear about the need to get on with it.”

The move comes after last week’s Budget contained many measures of benefit to regions that elected mayors earlier in the year.

He added: “There is a big opportunity here in using some of these powers and investment and that we are getting through devolution to bolster some of the sectors in which the north excels, things like nuclear, aerospace and clean power.”

He used the example of the Advanced Manufacturing and Research Centre in Sheffield as a model of joined up working and called for more of these in Yorkshire.

As part of the strategy the Government said it will press ahead with a series of so-called sector deals covering life sciences, construction, artificial intelligence and automotive.

“The north has a supply of STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) skills that business finds really attractive” Mr Carberry said.

“That, together with the quality of life aspect that people have when they come to work in the north, makes it attractive to have national centres of excellence [based here]. But you have to have your offer aligned. LEPs must work with devolved authorities. Universities need to tweak courses to what is needed locally. And the really good news from a CBI perspective is that is has an independent voice to make sure this industrial strategy is not just an aggregate success for the UK. but for every region.”

To mark the launch of a White Paper on industrial strategy, leading life sciences company MSD said it will open a state-of-the-art hub in the UK, creating 150 jobs.

Business Secretary Greg Clark said: “Building on regional strengths is a key part of our Industrial Strategy and Yorkshire and the Humber is recognised the world over for its world-leading advanced manufacturing and offshore wind industries.”

Juergen Maier, CEO Siemens UK which has a large manufacturing base in Hull, said: “By working in strong partnership with national and local government, we have created a very positive example of Industrial Strategy in action for the off-shore wind industry in the Humber which is creating a new and vibrant local economy.”