John McCabe was appointed chief executive of the North East England Chamber of Commerce in 2021 having run his own business, Fusion PR. Before that held communications and corporate affairs roles at Transco, Newcastle Building Society and Alcan. He was an independent candidate in the 2019 North of Tyne mayoral election.
What was your first job (and how much did it pay)? While still at school I had a weekend job stocking shelves in a cash and carry. I was paid £5 for Saturday and £5.50 for Sunday plus all the crisps I could eat from any damaged boxes. My first proper job was as a clerical trainee at Northumbrian Water. I started there in 1989 on a salary of £4k.
What is the best advice or support you’ve been given in business? I’ve never been one for collecting inspirational quotes but somebody once told me plans are important and can be changed but good values are essential and should be fixed.
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What are the main changes you’ve seen in your business/sector, and what are the challenges you’re facing? Since starting as Chamber chief executive in October 2021 we’ve dealt with three prime ministers, dozens of ministers and at times an extremely volatile economy. We’re in the last full year before the next general election so we’re really beginning to focus on what we’d like to see from the main parties in terms of building a stronger, fairer North East. Some political and economic stability would certainly help.
How has the pandemic changed the way you work? Like most employers we’ve adapted to new ways of working which is requiring us to think again about everything from our recruitment processes to how we run an events programme that fits in with our members’ new work routines. It’s such a pity it took a pandemic to accelerate this change but I’m firmly convinced we’ve emerged from it as a better, more agile business.
Who is your role model in business? I’m not going to single anyone out but the North East is full of outstanding people in key roles. Some have a high profile and others just quietly get on doing their thing. What connects all of them is a strong set of values and a commitment to putting the region first.
What would your dream job be? I hope I’m in this one for a long time to come but I can’t deny the opportunity to manage Liverpool Football Club or play James Bond would be tempting.
What advice would you give to someone starting out a career in your sector? Surround yourself with people who will support and challenge you and be there for them not just when it’s in your own interests. Being part of a good, reliable network will never let you down as long as you play your own part in it. In the Chamber we often speak about the opportunities our network affords by being part of something bigger. If you’re a member of one Chamber of Commerce you’re part of all of them. And for anyone with aspirations to work here, I’d say this is a great place to be if you want to be involved in building a better future for our region.
What makes the North East a good place to do business? The perfect blend of brilliant, talented people and a stronger spirit of collaboration than I can ever remember. In no way do I underestimate the challenges we face or the lengths we have to go to if everyone is going to have a fair crack in life but I’m filled with optimism for the future of this region. We’ve just been confirmed as the fastest growing region in the UK for projects funded by foreign direct investment. Last year we created more jobs through inward investment than any other region outside of London. This hasn’t happened by accident. It’s a result of the North East aligning around a clear narrative and direction of travel. Ambition and realism shouldn’t be opposites, they’re fundamental to defining our regional identity and purpose. It’s far from job done but we’re making good progress.
How important is it for business to play a role in society? It’s essential and it’s why the devolution deal for the North East is so important. We have to create the jobs and opportunities that persuade people to build their lives in this region. But that also means we need the transport infrastructure to enable people to get to and from school, college or work as well as to move around the region to enjoy our fantastic culture, leisure and retail offerings. It means we have to build the quality homes that people can afford and we have to invest in the public services that are so essential to every person and business in the region. One of the greatest pleasures of my job is seeing the contribution our business community makes to improving people’s lives and prospects in this region every single day.
Outside of work, what are you really good at? It would be stretching credulity to claim to be really good but I am a really committed runner. I love the challenge of distance running but my real passion is for Parkrun. It’s such a friendly community which welcomes people of all ages and abilities. I also try to volunteer at Parkrun once a month, usually scanning barcodes and occasionally marshalling. In July I’ll be making my debut giving the first-timers briefing. I’m perfectly comfortable speaking to an audience of hundreds but briefing first time Parkrunners is going to be a little bit terrifying!
