Good news and bad news for the North East Economy

I thought the Nissan announcement was inevitable. It was only a matter of time.

Glad to hear about Hitachi, but some domestic manufacturing had to continue.

I agree that things are not looking good for Nissan long term EllaKeat . A no deal Brexit will be the beginning of the end. We await news on the production of the new Juke which I suspect they will be waiting to announce until after Brexit.

I don't see how Hays can run all the Thomas Cook stores long term as they would be in direct competition with themselves in some areas. I think maybe the deal was all or none and they will eventually cherry pick what they want/need.

I was disgusted (but not in the slightest bit surprised) that the Metro contract will not be going to Hitachi Septima. Yes the news about the west coast trains will secure jobs for another 2 years

Ella, I hope I'm right about Hitachi. I meant to be a bit more cautious about it since there was not much cheering about it going on.

I worry about the region, too, as it's struggled so much over the years. Even the 'northern powerhouse' doesn't reach this far north.....

Septimia re Hitachi, no, I had not seen that. Great news, but I simply could not believe they did not get the metro contract ?

I do fear for this area.

Presumably Hays have some sort of gradual consolidation process in mind, maybe involving some of the staff working in online bookings. I hope they have a good plan, anyway.

I thought the Nissan announcement was disconcerting.

But did you hear - somewhat understated on the local news - that Hitachi have a contract for West Coast trains even though they seem to have missed out on the Metro contract.

I am in the same area as you gillybob, and to me, it is all bad news.
For Nissan, I suspect this is the beginning of the end of any kind of investment in the north east. Brexit with no deal will just about see them off.
Hays travel sounds great, but Hays have thrived because they were small, local and close knit. When I worked they organised all of our travel and were great at it. Everyone was on first name terms.
There is simply not a big enough market for such a large number of branches of travel agents, I really think they have bitten off more than they can chew and hope this is not the end for them.