The East lies at the forefront of so much science, innovation and positive growth in highly exciting and fast-growing sectors like green energy, technology and life science – and I am determined to help our communities access the opportunities this will all bring. If we embrace them, we can create tens of thousands of skilled jobs in the fields of tomorrow, spreading prosperity throughout our communities and paving the way for our region to significantly “Level Up” and “Build Back Better” (not to mention also pioneering the advancements that will improve our lives as well as the lives of millions of people all around the world).

That’s why I was delighted to speak at the launch event of Eastern Powerhouse yesterday – a dynamic, business-led, independent organisation that will speak up for our region and showcase how greater investment in health, education and infrastructure in our part of the world will turbo-charge economic growth for our communities and deliver significant returns for UK plc.

To learn more about Eastern Powerhouse, please visit their website here.