Columnist

Unlocking investment through partnerships

What is the secret to securing investment in Newcastle and the wider North East?

It could be our modern infrastructure, established industry clusters, financial incentives or advanced research and innovation. 

Availability of talent, skills and cost competitiveness all clearly play a role too. 

But if there is one factor that truly sets us apart, it is our close-knit business community and the region’s unique reputation for working together.

Put simply, people and partnerships are the driving forces behind inward investment. 

Collaboration is a word you’ll hear often when local leaders describe what makes the North East special. 

In this region, you’re never more than two degrees of separation from someone who can open the right doors—whether that’s connecting you to a business opportunity or a talented individual who can help your venture thrive.

In my experience, this sense of togetherness runs deep. 

It might stem from our industrial heritage, where communities lived in tight-knit conurbations and often only worked for a handful of major employers.

Or perhaps it is the resilience developed through the challenges northern communities have historically faced?

Whatever the root causes, the spirit of pulling together is something that sets the North East apart.

For investors, this means they don’t have to tackle challenges alone. 

At Invest Newcastle, we regularly host familiarisation visits for companies considering investing or expanding here. 

Our biggest advantage in securing their investment isn’t just showing them the city’s infrastructure or incentives – it’s introducing them to our local partners. 

By connecting them with the people who understand what it’s really like to do business here, we create a lasting impression.

Having access to the right people at the right time is key to turning potential projects into actual investments. 

And we’re fortunate we can make those connections at a moment’s notice. 

Whether it is local authorities working with universities, colleges or private sector leaders, our region’s ability to collaborate sends a strong message to investors: we are a connected and accessible business community.

And as our regional economy continues to grow post-devolution, the importance of people and partnerships will only increase. 

Investors are no longer just looking for opportunities; they’re seeking places where they can build meaningful relationships—and that’s exactly what the North East offers.

Our strength isn’t just in what we have, but in who we are, and our collaborative spirit is evident in every corner of the region.

From the North East Screen Industries Partnership, which has positioned us as the fastest-growing region for TV and film production, to the £50 million space skills centre being delivered in partnership between Newcastle City Council, Northumbria University, Lockheed Martin Space and the UK Space Agency, people are working together to drive transformational change across the region. 

Jennifer Hartley is director of Invest Newcastle, NewcastleGateshead Initiative

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