The north needs more than words

This month brings seismic political change. A new occupant of Number 10 has walked through the doors of Whitehall. But what will Andy Burnham's premiership mean for the north?

We need a renewed focus on the north and a genuine understanding of those parts of the country that have missed out on investment for too long. This must go beyond slogans about levelling up. It requires a clear commitment to unlocking the north of England's economic potential and delivering the investment needed to realise it.

The UK needs every economic lever available to drive growth, and unleashing the north's economy is central to that ambition. Our region is a powerhouse of advanced manufacturing, innovation, skills and expertise, competing on a global stage despite being held back by inadequate infrastructure.

The north is home to ambitious, growing businesses working with some of the world's biggest names. Yet many still struggle to attract and retain the skilled people they need, from apprentices and graduates to experienced professionals.

Transport is fundamental. The rest of the north deserves the connectivity that has helped drive Manchester's success, improving access to jobs, education, customers and freight.

That is particularly true for Lancashire. We have enormous strengths and significant untapped potential, but we continue to be held back by underinvestment. The new prime minister has an opportunity to change that by putting in place an investment strategy that benefits both Lancashire and the wider UK.

It is long overdue.

Louise Sydenham, deputy chief executive of East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce