Momentum builds for energy task force

More than 100 businesses have backed a call to action from the newly-formed North West Energy Task Force, challenging industry and policy makers to get behind shale, to boost 'once in a lifetime' opportunities for skills and jobs in the region.

The business people believe the responsible development of natural gas from shale in the North West of England could: create thousands of jobs in new industries and ease pressures facing UK manufacturers as they continue to be challenged by more competitive overseas economies; generate sustainable export-led economic growth, based on a thriving, competitive private sector; and boost tax revenues for much-needed investment in the North West region’s public services.

"We call on business, industry and policy-makers to get behind shale to ensure the North West is in the best possible position to take advantage of this incredible opportunity.”

Babs Murphy, chief executive of North & Western Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, said: “Done safely and responsibly, we welcome the development of natural gas from Lancashire’s shale and the potentially fantastic opportunity it means for North West job and wealth creators as well as local communities. We believe that the development would be an important step in meeting the UK’s future energy needs while also providing a major boost to the local and national economy.”