OPINION: TODD WILLIAMS

I am very lucky to have a job where a major part is telling people, businesses and governments about how great the Hunter is.

This part of my job is quite easy because there is always so many positive stories and initiatives underway that are making a difference. I am spoilt for choice.

This has really been reinforced to me over the past few days as I have been travelling throughout Germany meeting with organisations, businesses and presenting on the competitive advantages of our region.

For many of us including me there are many learnings to be taken away from regions and countries such as Germany with relation to economic development and innovation, and its often easy to think that other places are doing it better than us.

The point I want to make is that we are going pretty well.

It’s difficult to point to another region that has our capabilities including world standard logistics and international gateways, technical training and research, a diverse economy and great livability. All these set a strong platform for a prosperous future. 

There are some factors that are less talked about that are our region’s real competitive advantage …  and that’s our people. The ability to make things happen and work together is a less tangible asset but arguably the most important.

You can’t easily replicate community and it’s the thing that really sets us apart.

Recently there has been proof of just this with the population figures from the NSW government confirming what we all know – the Hunter is moving forward and we are growing, there is no better indicator of success.

We should all be very happy with this growth as it’s a strong mandate for further investment into our region by Government and for businesses looking to be in a place that’s vibrant.

The recent funding announcements by the NSW Government are very welcome but are also an indicator that investment in our region brings a return.

This is also a message for business in that starting or growing in the Hunter is a good decision and is likely to be a good business decision.

I feel honoured and proud when talking about our region and what we are doing and the initiatives we have started.

We in the Hunter are right up there on the world stage and others know this and are looking to see what they can learn from us and collaborate. The challenge now is to continue the momentum. 

If you’re thinking of expanding or starting a business look no further than your back door. Home is where the heart is but we have the best of both worlds and definitely the Hunter is where the business is at.

View the Newcastle Herald story http://www.theherald.com.au/story/4197080/we-just-dont-realise-how-lucky-we-are/?cs=4200