In response to the Spring Statement on 26th March, Dr Annette Bramley, director, N8 Research Partnership, said: “Amidst some tough decisions, it was encouraging to see the Chancellor reinforce her government’s commitment to supporting growth in the regions in the Spring Statement. Strategic partnerships between the National Wealth Fund and the Greater Manchester and West Yorkshire city regions – among others – will be important in enabling these regions to attract the investment that will help deliver the prosperity that is so critical to our country.
“Our universities are ready to play a key role in ensuring such investment opportunities deliver on their potential. Universities are major contributors to productivity growth and can be instrumental in improving health and quality of life – outcomes that are urgently needed in light of some of the other measures and forecasts announced today.”