WE were reminded last week how much it pays to be practical.

If, for instance, you want to ask someone to resign quietly, it’s probably not all that practical to wait until they are in Nairobi.

Similarly, if you want to negotiate a trade deal with the largest trading block in the world, its probably not the best approach to argue over what the meetings are called, rather than doing any negotiating.

Apparently, the Brexit meetings are now to be referred to as negotiating rounds, stock-taking exercises or an information exchange.

Apparently, the business community’s suggestion that the meetings be called postured navel gazing workshops or incoherent procrastination sessions received a cool reception.

However, it can be quite easy to mock slow progress on a project when the reality is that a slower and more practical approach is likely to deliver better results over the long-term.

This can be a difficult PR sell and positive announcements met with cynicism.

Two key assets in the Tees Valley have met with this approach over the last couple of years, the airport and the former SSI UK site.

Those in positions of authority have been castigated for slow progress or not taking the project seriously but behind the scenes, it has been important to get the way forward right built on a solid foundation, rather than rush into a false dawn.

We have had a masterplan for Durham Tees Valley Airport for some time and it is true we would have liked to see things happen more quickly. However, the opening of the revamped terminal last week and the announcement of a new operator for leisure flights (Seville anyone?) and more new routes to come has given many in the are confidence that at long last development is underway.

Slow development built on practicality to make it sustainable has been the watch word.

Similarly, on the ex-SSI UK site, some criticism has come forward for slow progress.

With a site that is such an asset, it is important to get development right to deliver maximum job opportunities, but also high-quality jobs, which will be in the sustainable industries of the future, rather than betting on jobs that may fade in a very short period of time.

So a good dose of Tees practicality and common sense will deliver for us in the long-term.

It’s a shame practicality seems to be in short supply elsewhere.

Rachel Anderson is head of policy and representation at the North East England Chamber of Commerce