WE have seen two positive survey results in the last few days, which reiterate the roll your sleeves up, ‘can do’ attitude of so many businesses in our region despite on-going uncertainties.

The first of these was our Quarterly Economic Survey results, which showed business performance improved in the first part of the year.

There was, however, a split in fortunes for domestic and export performance.

Domestic sales performed well but export sales scored less well mainly down to service sector exports.

There were also marked differences in the results for service and manufacturing sectors.

Our service sector showed stronger workforce growth but for manufacturers the strength was in investment in both plant and training.

Our second piece of good news was the employment statistics for the North-East.

They were generally positive with unemployment in our region at the lowest level, and rate, since March 2008, and the number of people in work near record levels.

I am also delighted to report in relation to the rest of the country there is further reason for optimism as over the past year our unemployment rate has fallen further than any other English region.

In order to exploit these increasing opportunities for businesses across the region, we are working hard with our members to ensure they are able to take advantage of the apprenticeship levy being introduced this month.

Businesses will pay 0.5 per cent of their annual payroll costs over £3m, but can claim it back if they invest in apprenticeships.

The accrued funding pot has more flexibility than previous schemes and it will be easier to use it to train older workers or existing employees.

This gives us all so many more opportunities to re-train and upskill people so everyone can contribute to a working North East.

Some businesses such as Tridonic, in County Durham, for example, identified potential skills gaps in its business and re-trained older employees to fulfil those roles.

The new apprenticeship levy funding, and the development of higher and degree level apprenticeship standards, can support this type of work.

As well as these surveys in discussion with our members I can report many of them report a relatively buoyant climate at present.

They are not seeing any wage pressures currently, indeed some companies are voluntarily paying more than the living wage.

We will continue to tackle issues that cause uncertainty to ensure businesses are able to build on these successes and grow in the very best conditions possible.

James Ramsbotham is chief executive at the North East England Chamber of Commerce