Mr McCabe, who follows Mike Matthews in the role, sets out vision for his two-year term

John McCabe has taken on the role at the North East England Chamber of Commerce (NEECC).

Mr McCabe replaces Nifco UK’s Darlington-born boss Mike Matthews, whose stint coincided with the NEECC’s 200th anniversary.

Outlining his two-year presidency, Mr McCabe said he hopes to deliver his aims through a three-pronged approach, which will include greater business collaboration, an increased focus on skills and mental health support.

Speaking at the NEECC’s annual general meeting at Newcastle United’s St James’ Park today (Wednesday, June 21), Mr McCabe, who runs public relations agency Fusion PR, said he was relishing his new role.

He said: “There are three distinct ways I want to help our members gain more mutual benefit from each other.

“The first of these will be a campaign to highlight where members are already working together, and we’ll be encouraging more to do the same.

“The second is to see members working more closely with the huge future talent pool being nurtured in our region.

“The importance of bolstering the skills and aspirations of future generations in this region cannot be understated.

“Finally, I believe we can all do more to support our own colleagues, in particular with challenges of mental health.

“The NEECC is an ideal vehicle to make sure businesses have the awareness, resources and confidence to tackle the challenge of mental health in the right way.

“I want to ensure we play our part.”

Mr McCabe follows in the footsteps of Mr Matthews, who combined the presidency with his day-to-day job as managing director and European operations officer at car parts maker Nifco UK, based at Eaglescliffe, near Stockton.

Mr Matthews, a former toolmaking apprentice who grew up on Darlington’s Branksome estate and learned his trade at South West Durham Training in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, said he would look back on his time as president with great affection.

He added: “It has been a tremendous honour to be president during the NEECC’s 200th anniversary and to be part of the ambitious campaigns, including the celebration of the great apprentices our region has produced.

“With the support of John, I expect to see our chamber achieve more and continue to provide a bigger and louder voice for our region.

“I am also certain the chamber will encourage and support the continued collaboration of our members in these uncertain times to secure the future we are capable of together.”

Officials also used the event to pay tribute to the late Brian Manning, who passed away earlier this year after a short battle with cancer.

Mr Manning was NEECC vice-president and managing director of construction company Esh Group, which has its head office in Bowburn, near Durham City.