Devolution is coming to the North East with the region set to have its own elected mayor in 2017. An agreement has been drafted up which will continue to deliver "More and better jobs" for the region. This will see the region have greater control over business support, investment funding and skills.

The 7 local authorities have already held a meeting to discuss with the local business community about what they think is important when signing the deal...

But the question is, did you know about it?

At FIRST and the Federation of Small Businesses we believe that young people and Start Up Businesses should have an input into these discussions. With 23% of the north east's young people aged 16 - 24 unemployed and London having more than double the amount of start-ups per square mile...

THIS IS YOUR CHANCE TO LET LOCAL GOVERNMENT KNOW WHAT'S IMPORTANT TO YOU

Questions on the evening will be:

• How can businesses, government and public services engage with young people and start-ups?
• What would help your start-up business grow?
• What would make you stay in the north east and seek employment here?
• What would you like to get involved with?

The evening will be full of invaluable information with three guest speakers and the chance to connect with local businesses to broaden your network!

Guest speakers:

Nick Forbes, the Newcastle City Council Leader will be discussing the Devolution of the North East and what it will potentially bring to the local businesses. He would also like you hear your opinions of the Devolution deal and how you would like to see it help local start-ups and businesses.

Robert Noyes, Environmental and Ethical Business Representative from Newcastle University will be giving a speech on ‘the power of doing'.

Gordon Merrylees, Head of Entrepreneurship at RBS and NatWest will be speaking about their 'Entrepreneurial Spark' Accelerator Programme.

Exhibition stands from various start-up business support agencies will be attending and this is a great opportunity for start-ups and local businesses to really benefit from the services that the region has to offer.

Complimentary drinks, 'Pulled Pork Baps and Rainbow Wraps' will also be served!

The evening will be supported by the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), they have 4,000 members in the North East the FSB is a powerful lobbying organisation that represents the interests of small businesses and the self employed. They have an in depth knowledge and are keen to ensure that the local business community understands the opportunities that the Devolution Deal presents and how to take advantage of them.

Be a part of it, get your voice heard and see what the new devolution era of the North East has installed for you.

WHERE: The Auditorium,

Bunker Coffee & Kitchen

9-11 Carliol Square

NE1 6UF

WHEN: Tuesday, 12th April 2016

TIME: 17:30 - 20:00

#NEdevolution @FIRST_ftf