THE region’s manufacturing industry was hailed as being in good health by a business expert.
Dr Andrew Sentance, an external member of the monetary policy committee of the Bank of England, met a succession of businesses and bank contacts in Flintshire.
One of the highlights was holding talks with a selection of senior members of the export manufacturing industry through the North Wales Chamber of Commerce.
Dr Sentance said: “Manufacturing is currently the most positive part of the economy. That is something we are seeing not just from this visit.”
Speaking at St David’s Park Hotel, Ewloe, he added: “It is very encouraging to see manufacturing businesses doing well in the UK.”
Dr Sentance spelt out his belief to the people of Flintshire of how he wishes to see interest rates gradually raised to combat potential inflation increases, believing a sharp and more difficult increase will otherwise have to be dealt with.
Calling for action “sooner rather than later”, he said: “If you have interest rates too low for too long the problem we have is it becomes more difficult to raise interest rates more sharply in the future.
“I would like to see the rates raised gradually now and not put it off.”
Dr Sentance is one of nine members of the monetary policy committee, which meets each month to decide on UK interest rates and whose members visit regions across the UK.
He met businesses in the Wrexham area on Friday and was keen to listen to the needs of the region’s industry and offer advice. He said: “I think this is a very important part of what the monetary committee does. It is important we are seen out and about seen talking to people.”