Partner Article

Newcastle University Business School partnerships on launch of NET 250

Newcastle University Business School has partnered with NET on the launch of NET 250 – a campaign dedicated to celebrating the successes of the region’s vibrant business community.

NET 250 shines a light on the companies in the region to recognise the top 250 firms in the North East by turnover.

The research for the 2025 listing was conducted in partnership with Newcastle University Business School and PwC. Four students from the School were selected to undertake the research to identify the top 250 firms, with support from an academic supervisor from the School.

Reflecting on the partnership, Fiona Whitehurst, Associate Dean Engagement and Place at Newcastle University Business School, said: “The partnership between Newcastle University Business School and NET reflects our shared commitment to championing the North East’s business landscape. 

“By collaborating with NET and PwC to produce NET 250, we've been able to provide valuable insights into the region’s economic performance. 

“The project gave our students the opportunity to gain data research and financial analysis skills, and ensures they understand the practical realities of the regional business environment they may one day work in.” 

John Duns, Business Development Director at NET added: “We are delighted to launch NET 250.

“We’ve long championed the North East’s many fantastic businesses and their ground-breaking advances. And through NET 250, we will continue that focus.

“We’re absolutely delighted to be working with Newcastle University Business School on this extremely exciting project for North East business. Last year we conducted some qualitative research and there was a strong desire from the business community for more information on the size and scope of businesses across the region. Now with the high-quality help from the students, we have that information and look forward to presenting it to the market.“

The student project group

The research project group comprised of Irfan Syed Mohammed Irfan – MBA, Ella Kong – MSc Economics and Finance, Ross Mackenzie – BSc Economics and Business Management with placement year, and Ben Collier – BA Business Management. 

They were selected following a competitive application process in which they were asked to submit their CV and cover letter highlighting their experience in relevant areas, including researching financial databases and conducting analysis of financial data, alongside transferable skills such as working in a team. 

A rigorous research process 

The student project group were asked to research, analyse and present data from the public domain to identify the top 250 firms by turnover. 

The research was conducted from October to December 2024. Data was taken from various financial databases and public sources, and Companies House was used to confirm the factual information required.   

The students worked independently, managing their own schedule around their studies, to undertake the research over the seven-week period. They recorded factual data and identified anomalies or queries that required further investigation or clarification. The list was regularly reviewed by Aidan Beck, Lecturer in Accounting, as supervisor, who actioned queries and carried out secondary checks such as whether the company has significant decision making and obvious presence in the region, or if it is a subsidiary company of another within the list. Aidan also met regularly with the students throughout the research to discuss progress and outputs and answer their questions. 

Following the final list being supplied by the students, Aidan carried out a final review before the list was ready to be submitted to PwC for an official audit. 

Speaking about the project, Aidan said: “This has been an interesting research project, completed to a challenging timeframe. 

I enjoyed supervising the students as they tackled the work, as it has real meaning and will be of benefit to companies across the North East.”

The firms will be unveiled at an exclusive breakfast event on Wednesday 14 May at Gateshead’s Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art, between 8.30am and 11.30am.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Kylie Byers .