Regional Minister bridges the digital divide
Thursday 22 October 2009
Phil Woolas, Regional Minister for the North West, visited Crewe on Monday (9 October) to meet business leaders from the private, public and third sectors to discuss the opportunities and challenges faced in the region by the technological revolution.
While in the town, Phil also called into the Crewe Heritage Centre to meet Pete Waterman and talk to him and his team about the work they are doing restoring steam engines and the training and skills needed to keep the rail heritage industry on track. The Heritage Centre will have 20 young people starting work next month through the Government’s Future Jobs Fund.
Speaking after the visit, Phil Woolas said:
“Today’s visits and meetings have all been about connecting the skills needed by engineers in the first Industrial Revolution, to those required in the Technological Revolution.
“What they have in common is skills and as a government we are determined that our young people are trained in all aspects of work for their future and for the country’s future. Manufacturing remains one of the most important elements of our region’s economy, and from steam trains to broadband, we will continue to invest in it.”
At the Joint Economic Commission (JEC) meeting, the discussion focused on the opportunities for the region in the digital economy. Phil Woolas said:
“From Carlisle to Crewe there are opportunities for both small and large businesses to lead the digital revolution, as they did in the first Industrial Revolution.
“Whitehaven pioneered the digital switchover two years ago, and by the 2nd December, the whole of the North West will have embraced the technology. Last week, the BBC received the keys to its new building at MediaCity UK in Salford which will open up a wealth of opportunities, not just in its immediate surroundings, but also to the whole region.
“Now’s the time for North West to grasp the initiative and be at the forefront of this exciting new revolution. There are also challenges which have to be met, and we need to make sure that rural areas and those less well off are not left behind, but I am determined that as region we make the most of the tremendous opportunities that the digital era offers us.”
Following the JEC, the Regional Minister met with Cheshire East Council.
