Chamber lunch highlights power of connection

A North East business event has spotlighted the power of connectivity to fuel regional growth.

More than 150 senior leaders gathered for the North East Chamber of Commerce’s latest 1815 Lunch, at Newcastle’s Crowne Plaza Hotel, to explore how collaboration and investment in regional infrastructure can unlock trade, opportunity and sustainability.

Speakers included Nigel Milton, chief communication and sustainability officer at Heathrow Airport, who shared the airport’s £10 billion investment plans, as well as its ambition to grow SME participation in its supply chain and commitment to reducing aviation’s carbon footprint. 

Nigel also highlighted the millions already spent with North East businesses and shared initiatives such as the SME Academy and World of Opportunity grant scheme.

He said: “Heathrow is proud of its longstanding partnership with the North East, already spending around £15 million a year with businesses here and supporting exporters through our role as the UK’s most valuable port.  

“As we expand, we want to work with even more SMEs in the region, creating jobs, supporting trade and driving innovation. 

“We are committed to ensuring our growth is sustainable and inclusive, and we see the North East as a key part of that story.”

Alice Andreasen, Newcastle Airport’s chief corporate affairs officer, outlined the airport’s 2040 vision to double economic contribution to £2 billion annually and reach net-zero by 2035. 

She showcased recent customer experience upgrades and sustainability initiatives, including woodland restoration, a growing solar farm and switching to electric vehicles.

Alice also underlined the importance of Newcastle’s partnership with Heathrow, highlighting how seven daily flights to London connect the region to over 300 global destinations and play a crucial role in supporting exporters and attracting inward investment.

She said: “Our vision is to grow sustainably and continue connecting the North East to the world. 

“We want to hear from businesses about what they need from us as their airport, so we can help them seize global opportunities and support the region’s prosperity.

“Connectivity is about more than flights. 

“It supports jobs, growth and competitiveness. 

“Our plan reflects our confidence in the region and our determination to deliver for its businesses and communities.” 

A lively Q&A revealed strong business appetite for increased domestic flight capacity, with both airports reaffirming their commitment to strengthening regional connections and enabling sustainable growth.

Chamber president Deborah Walton closed the event, which was sponsored by Newcastle College and supported by Newcastle Airport, by celebrating the North East’s collaborative spirit and the vital role of business and civic leadership in building a stronger, fairer economy.

She added: “The Chamber is proud to bring people together, advocate for our members and keep the region moving forward. 

“From our new membership propositions to our upcoming Stronger Fairer North East policy refresh, we are working every day to ensure your voice is heard and opportunities are maximised. 

“Today’s conversation underlined just how important regional connectivity and partnerships are, and how much potential there is when we all pull in the same direction.” 

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