The North East Chamber of Commerce (NECC) has sent an open letter to former chancellor Gordon Brown urging him to improve job creation in the region.
To coincide with the day Mr Brown becomes prime minister, the NECC's letter called for higher levels of investment in the north-east's economy to create new jobs and deliver greater prosperity.
Maggie Pavlou, president of the chamber, said: "We urge your new cabinet to prioritise investment in the north-east's economic infrastructure and unshackle its dynamic private sector to deliver the jobs, wealth and prosperity that is increasingly the signature of this region."
The NECC said that the new prime minister would need to introduce new fiscal policies that allowed businesses to develop and grow, while also improving transport links and the local education and skills system.
In related news, justice minister Harriet Harmon recently told ITV's GMTV Sunday programme that the government should seek to close the gender pay gap over the course of the next decade.
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