BUSINESS leaders across the North-East have welcomed aspects of the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement, including his commitment to infrastructure investment.

Stuart Miller, director of Civil Engineering Contractors Association North-East, said he was “encouraged” Philip Hammond has put infrastructure spending at the heart of his plans.

“The general sentiment of the Autumn Statement could bring positive news for our members regionally and nationally, as well as the workforce of the region, however we keenly await the detail forthcoming from individual public bodies with influencing and decision making capacities" he said.

Speaking to The Northern Echo, Mr Miller said he hoped the Government was starting to take its Northern Powerhouse initiative seriously.

“In its infancy, it seemed to be a good thing, although what it has delivered in the short term is questionable.

“There was no mention of anything North of Sheffield by George Osbourne. We hope now the Northern Powerhouse will mean North East Powerhouse.

He added he would like to see infrastructure investment to cut journey times in the North-East.

“Most people commute between 30 and 45 minutes each way, each day.

“We repeat our call that the urgent transport connectivity issues in our region, such as an additional crossing of the River Tees, A19 Norton to Wynyard, A19 Testo’s Roundabout, East-West road connectivity from the A1 to Teesport, among many others, be accelerated.

“We would like to see all investment happen quickly and without delay.”

Liz Mayes, North-East region director at EEF, said Mr Hammond was “walking a fiscal tightrope”, but his “pragmatic statement” provided enough stimulus in key areas vital to improving productivity.

“Business was looking for reassurance from the Chancellor at a time of considerable uncertainty and he has helped calm nerves with a pre-Brexit tonic pitched at the right level.

“The boost to science and innovation is vital if we are to be at the forefront of the 4th industrial revolution, while the doubling of support for exports should grease the wheels for business in growing markets abroad.

“The Chancellor has also signalled a welcome recognition that our digital network and local roads are not fit for purpose and need major upgrade.”

Jonathan Walker, head of policy, North East England Chamber of Commerce, said the statement provided “welcome news”.

“The increases in housing, innovation and transport spending are positive. We are also delighted our campaign for improvements to the A66 and A69 has been successful.

“This investment must now be made a reality to enable a more connected North East. “However more information is needed on spending programmes for infrastructure and housebuilding, as well as Local Growth Fund allocations, before we can fully assess the merits of the Autumn Statement.

However, John Elliott, chairman and founder of Newton-Aycliffe based dehumidifier and washing machine maker Ebac, had hoped Mr Hammond would focus on reducing the country’s deficit, even at the expense of growth.

He said: “The Chancellor did nothing to reduce the country’s deficit. The goal of a surplus by 2020 has become pie in the sky economics.

“We can’t continue to keep selling assets and borrowing to spend more than we earn - we have the resources to earn more by manufacturing more, but it won’t happen if it's left to big business.”

“Investing in manufacturing will be much better than spending billions on a high speed train line or on a National Productivity Investment Fund.”

Penny Marshall, regional director of the Institution of Civil Engineers, said: “The Government’s commitment to invest in infrastructure is a step in the right direction.

“Only by making sufficient funding available for the development and maintenance of roads, railways, the water network and the power grid can we ensure the country is ready to meet the economic, demographic and environmental challenges of the coming decades.”

Graham Robb, chairman of the Institute of Directors in the North East, said: “The Government’s commitment to press forward with reducing Corporation Tax will be greeted positively by North East businesses, as will the extra infrastructure investment.

"The new borrowing powers for mayoral development corporations are particularly welcome in the Tees Valley.

“Changes to tax benefits for employees and the self-employed may be unpopular in some circles, but in general this is a very pro-enterprise Autumn Statement - it shows the Chancellor is serious about the North East being part of a post-Brexit UK economic powerhouse.”