PD Ports, one of the major companies driving Teesside’s ambition to become a centre of excellence for the European wind energy sector, recently hosted a Chain Reaction conference in Hartlepool to build support for the concept.

Representatives of local companies, as well as local MP Iain Wright, listened to presentations outlining the major opportunities and challenges facing the renewable energy sector.

“We need to act now to build the facilities and infrastructure for the wind farm manufacturers if the UK is to develop a sustainable renewable energy manufacturing and logistics sector,” says Paul Barker, PD Ports Development Director bulks, ports and logistics. “This is the perfect opportunity for the Government to back UK manufacturing and exporting while at the same time making sure we meet our commitment to its 2020 renewable energy targets.”

Speakers called on the Government to make sure planning consent procedures for renewable projects were both transparent and fast and that access to the national grid be made easier for those already generating alternative energy.

Other parts of Europe benefit from significant levels of public subsidy which makes it more difficult for the UK to compete, so the local North-East companies are working together to launch Chain Reaction, the Teesside Renewable Energy Supply Chain Cluster.
They believe that by working together, they can offer the range of skills and facilities needed by those seeking sites for their businesses – including those making hardware for the industry and providers of components for that hardware.

“We have the skills, the facilities and the determination to blend the experience of the past with the vision needed to make this new industrial revolution work,” says Mr Barker. “The people here have the engineering skills to work with the new technologies which will be used to produce everything needed for both onshore and offshore wind farms.”

The Port of Hartlepool, part of PD Ports, is already building a reputation as a centre of wind energy expertise on its 50ha site. The port hosts JDR Cable Systems, a leading cable manufacturer for renewable energy projects, and Heerema Fabrication Group, which specialises in the engineering and fabrication of large and complex structures, mainly for the offshore oil & gas and energy industry.

With a large brownfield area, Hartlepool is ideally placed for companies manufacturing and supporting wind energy projects. Its location as the closest UK port to Dogger Bank (the Government’s largest designated offshore wind farm zone), its open access to the North Sea, and a workforce with experience and expertise in dealing with large and outsize cargo, makes Hartlepool the obvious choice for this business.

Iain Wright, MP for Hartlepool, says he is very happy to back this initiative.

“The Chain Reaction initiative has enormous potential to secure Hartlepool and the wider area as a centre of excellence for wind energy. This will help to create jobs and produce wealth and prosperity for the region. I give Chain Reaction my wholehearted support and will do all I can to work with the team to make it a success”.

Local MP, Iain Wright has teamed up with renowned actor, Sir David Jason OBE, to support this year’s Carers Week (14-20 June) and celebrate the contribution made by those people in Hartlepool and throughout the UK who provide unpaid care for someone who is frail, ill or disabled.

The theme for Carers Week 2010 is ‘A life of my own’ and calls for carers to receive greater recognition for the work they carry out, so vital for their families and friends, and for their communities. In doing so, many are sacrificing their own lives, unable to do the little things that most of us take for granted. All too often, these unsung heroes are also sacrificing their own health, both physical and mental.

Iain Wright MP and Sir David Jason have joined together to pay tribute to carers, and to urge that they receive more support in their caring roles.

Iain Wright said

“Whether the chance to have a long bath or a full night’s sleep – these are luxuries for many of the thousands of carers in Hartlepool. They deserve to be recognised for the priceless contribution they make to their loved ones, to our local community and to society at large.
“I am supporting Carers Week and want to express my respect and gratitude to all our carers. I want to ensure that those who feel isolated or lonely because of caring learn about the services and support out there to help them. To all carers in Hartlepool, I want you to know, you don’t have to struggle on alone.”

Sir David Jason, who has personal experience of being a carer, said

“A lot of people, including myself, have had to look after someone at a time of illness or infirmity. However, the people who really deserve our support and encouragement are those carers, young and old, who are in this situation day in day out, caring for someone who truly depends on them. With little respite, this must surely be a very demanding lifestyle and I acknowledge the sacrifices they make and the limitations which are place upon them. Thank goodness they care.”

Other celebrities supporting Carers Week, all whom have experience of caring, include Lynda Bellingham, Cilla Black, Jonathan Dimbleby, Gloria Hunniford, Claire King, Miriam Margolyes and Angela Rippon.

Carers Week is organised by a partnership of 7 national charities: Carers UK, Counsel and Care, Crossroads Care, Help the Hospices, Macmillan Cancer Support, Parkinson’s UK and The Princess Royal Trust for Carers.

Iain Wright, MP for Hartlepool, used an early opportunity in the new Parliament to raise the issue of job losses from the closure of Garlands.

During Business Questions in the House of Commons, when MPs request Parliamentary time to debate important issues to them, Iain called for additional help for those workers – 650 who were based in Hartlepool – in order to help find alternative employment.

Iain Wright MP said:

“The closure of Garlands is a big blow for Hartlepool and the wider North East economy, and I want the new Government to provide help and support. I am concerned that the Government cuts will affect the Department charged with helping business, and the Future Jobs Fund is being scrapped. I have already written to the Business Secretary, Vince Cable, about the matter, but also wanted to raise this important issue in the House of Commons. The new Government needs to be clear as to how it will support these former workers from Garlands and I will continue to press Vince Cable on this matter.”

The Leader of the House of Commons, Sir George Younger MP, promised to pass on Iain Wright’s concerns to the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills.