UK Government minister praises ‘huge contribution’ of universities

London: A UK Government Cabinet Minister has praised the contribution universities make to the country’s success, at a first-of-its-kind conference.

Jonathan Reynolds MP, the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, said higher education made a ‘huge contribution’ to the UK economy, and was among its most successful sectors.

Mr Reynolds was speaking at the first North East Growth Summit, which brought together more than 200 leaders from politics and policy making, business, education and communities to discuss achieving economic transformation for the region.

He praised the ‘brilliant contribution’ of universities in North East England, and said international students studying in the UK gave the nation ‘immense soft power’ globally.

North East England is home to nearly two million people, 55,000 businesses and 830,000 jobs. The region’s economy is worth more than £40 billion. In May 2024, Kim McGuinness became the region’s first elected mayor, with significant powers devolved from national government.

The North East Growth Summit was organised by the North East Combined Authority, the North East England Chamber of Commerce, and others, including Durham University. It was chaired by Joe Docherty, Chair of Durham University’s governing Council.

Among the speakers were Mayor Kim McGuinness; Kevin Hollinrake MP, the Shadow Secretary of State for Business and Trade; and John McCabe, Chief Executive of the North East England Chamber of Commerce.

Our Chancellor Fiona Hill, an acclaimed foreign affairs specialist who was born in the region, spoke via video link about lessons North East England could learn in transforming so-called ‘left behind places’ from the experience of Germany following its reunification.

The Summit came on the same day the Russell Group of UK research-intensive universities, of which Durham is a member, announced the creation of a new expert panel to advise on universities’ role in delivering the Government’s Industrial Strategy. One member of the panel will be Dr Arnab Basu, a Durham graduate whose company Kromek, which specialises in digital colour x-ray imaging, has grown from a University spin-out to employ more than 150 people across two continents.