About this article

Read time:

4 minutes

Category:

Opinion

Fracking, elected mayors and a lack of democracy: why the Autumn statement infringes our constitutional rights

The chancellor has put the Northern Powerhouse at the heart of his autumn statement. In a continuing focus on funding for science, the arts, transport links and of course that technology hub, Manchester is certainly having its moment in the spotlight.

George Osborne announced that spending on the Northern Powerhouse will be covered in some part by a ‘sovereign’ fund, which in turn will be supported by revenue from the shale gas sector so that “resources of the North are used to invest in the future of the North.” This might come as a surprise to the anti-fracking campaigners who were unaware it was a done deal.

As a B2B technology PR agency in Manchester we welcome the investment and the limelight truth be told. We celebrate the benefits the region will gain from much needed investment in improvements for road and rail links between the northern cities of Liverpool, Manchester and Leeds.

But does all of this come at a price? The environmental campaigners will argue that fracking is a price too high but it’s the citizens of Manchester who appear to have held to ransom. The price Osborne wants us to pay – an elected mayor. Now I know that doesn’t sound like a big deal but back in 2012 Manchester (and its neighbours in cities across the north) said no to an elected mayor. So what’s changed? Nothing much except that the Chancellor has waved £1billion in devolved powers in front of local government – oh and democracy isn’t really democracy.

While the investment and focus on TechHub North and the Northern Power is welcome, I can’t help but feel we’re being ridden roughshod over. London is still calling the shots by dictating what we can and can’t have. Don’t get me wrong, there’s nothing wrong with an elected mayor (apart from the cost) and we might even get someone mad like Boris, but didn’t we already say that we didn’t want one? Do you think that an elected Mayor is a small price to pay? Or would you rather see us continue to build a strong and vibrant economy using the successful method of local government we already have?

Claire Lamb is a consultant at Skout. She’s worked in technology PR for 20 years and has survived more bubbles than Michael Jackson.

 

About this article

Read time:

4 minutes

Category:

Opinion

What to look out for when selecting a tech PR agency

Content with your B2B content? How to make it worker smarter and harder to achieve your marketing goals

Browse more blog posts

Posted on
byJames Bentley
If you’re in the wonderful world of tech, selecting a PR agency will be one of your big decisions. The right tech PR agency will significantly increase your brand’s reputation, market visibility and, ultimately, success. Here’s what you should be looking for: Industry experience and expertise Look for an agency with a proven track record in tech PR. They should...
Posted on
byRebecca Brown
There aren’t many B2B marketers out there who don’t spend a lot of time thinking about content and how to best use it to engage their audiences. In fact, over 70% believe content is becoming increasingly important in driving overall marketing success. But just because it’s the right thing to do, doesn’t always mean it’s done right. Audiences are being...
Posted on
byJames Bentley
Whatever stage your tech business is at, whether you are pre-revenue, or scaling up, PR has an important role to play in pushing you to the next level. As a staple part of Skout’s heritage, we have seen the tech PR landscape morph and shift over the years. But the core reasons why PR in the field is beneficial for...
Posted on
byJames Bentley
B2B market research serves many crucial purposes for companies working in the business-to-business (B2B) sector. Here we will look at some of its most common objectives. Understanding customer need B2B market research helps businesses to understand the needs, wants, preferences and pain points of other businesses. This knowledge can help with a range of things. These might include the creation...
Posted on
byIsobelle Yoxall
Podcasts have surged in popularity, boasting a staggering 464.7 million listeners globally in 2023, a number expected to climb to 504.9 million by 2024. This trend shows no signs of slowing down, as new content creators, including influencers, YouTubers, and B2C brands, are embracing podcasts. Even major corporations like Johnson & Johnson and McDonald’s have joined the podcast wave. This...
Posted on
byJames Bentley
Business-to-business (B2B) content marketing is a way for one business to reach and connect with other businesses in its target audience. Direct sales are not the focus of content marketing. Instead, it’s all about the creation of relevant and informative content that attracts and engages prospects from other businesses or organisations and converts them into loyal customers. Building trust, establishing...
Posted on
byJames Bentley
If you’re a business and you have a product or service that you know other businesses would love, it’s time to start your B2B PR journey. Your efforts should focus on building relationships, increasing brand visibility and fostering trust among these other businesses. B2B PR requires an approach that is tailored to the business landscape rather than the individual consumer...
Posted on
byJames Bentley
In the dynamic landscape of B2B marketing, understanding various strategies is crucial for marketing efforts to be successful. With the right approach, you can propel your company to new heights and forge fruitful partnerships. Here, we outline the four types of marketing that can help revolutionise your business. 1. Content B2B marketing Content marketing is the backbone of any successful...
Posted on
byJames Bentley
For businesses intending to reach and engage potential customers effectively, B2B email marketing is a cornerstone in today’s ever-evolving digital landscape. When used correctly, it can drive leads, nurture relationships and ultimately boost revenue. If you have ever wondered how to begin B2B email marketing, look no further than this step-by step guide. 1. Define your goals and target audience...
Posted on
byLee Simpson
Whether you call them Key Opinion Leaders, influencers or simply celebrities, leveraging the reach of influential people in various industries has long been part of PR strategies. The definition of what an ‘influencer’ is varies and the concept is nothing new; in our business a journalist can be an influencer, able to shape public opinion and raise awareness of new...

Send us a message

Download The B2B business relationship report

The B2B relationship renaissance – did digital kill it? The importance of relationships throughout the customer buying journey. Please complete the form below and receive a download link via email.