Rosie was delighted when, in January 2008, the Prime Minister asked her to be Minister for Yorkshire and the Humber.
In her first speech as Minister for the region, Rosie said her goal would be to support the growth of the regional economy by promoting Yorkshire and the Humber as a great place to live, to visit and to do business and to establish a stronger connection between government and the region.
By working closely with the Government Office for Yorkshire and the Humber, Yorkshire Forward, Local Authorities and business Rosie can channel views into government departments, at the most senior levels.
Like any other region Yorkshire and Humber faces significant challenges from the effects of the global credit crunch and an increasingly competitive global market.
Providing good transport links to the rest of the UK and Europe helps make the case that Yorkshire and Humber is a good place to do business.
Since 1997 employment rose by 12% in Yorkshire and Humber, however, raising the skills level of the region’s young people remains crucial. The Government has announced a new National Apprenticeship service, a new post 19 Skills funding agency and is strengthening workplace skills training.
Rosie has also launched a new initiative that encourages the region’s employers to work with her as business ambassadors.
Local Area Statistics Online Service for Yorshire and Humber