Raising the bar: A blueprint to supercharge North East growth

The North East is entering a new era.

With the North East Combined Authority comes a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reimagine the region’s economic, social and cultural landscapes.

Progress is already underway.

Devolution is delivering measures to boost business investment, improve transport links, strengthen skills pathways and reduce inequality.

But the moment demands more.

And to help the region truly realise its potential, multi-platform publisher NET has partnered with leading UK and Ireland wealth management firm Fairstone to create a white paper.

Founded upon six high-level roundtable discussions featuring nearly 50 senior North East commercial sector figures – many overseeing domestic and international organisations – the document provides a detailed, business-led agenda focused on transforming the region into a national and global powerhouse.

Headline action points outlined in the white paper include: 

·       Strategies rooted in the region’s distinct industrial strengths that prioritise long-term economic prosperity over short-term gain

·       A refreshed commercial narrative that showcases the North East’s investment opportunities domestically and internationally

·       The creation of an investment ladder to provide early-stage, scale-up and mature businesses with easier access to capital

·       Greater support for existing standout businesses, rapidly-scaling SMEs and university spin-outs, and a renewed focus on high-value employment over job volume

·       Strengthened ties between industry and education to equip learners with skills for the jobs of tomorrow

·       Further transport improvements to bolster inter-regional, domestic and global connectivity

·       Establishment of an annual investment exhibition to boost the North East’s industrial and commercial sectors internationally

In conjunction with the white paper, NET and Fairstone have launched a survey that allows you – business leaders and entrepreneurs from across the North East – to play your part in shaping the region’s devolution agenda.

Featuring questions focused on investment and expansion goals, your responses will provide an informed picture of the North East’s funding landscape, and where devolution can be harnessed to strengthen capital opportunities over years to come.

Click here to take part in the survey.

John Duns, NET business development director, says: “This document has been created using the knowledge, insight and expertise of North East business leaders, and speaks clearly and candidly to policymakers, investors and organisations alike.

“By showcasing the region’s strengths and opportunities – alongside clearly defined development strategies – this white paper can help catalyse collaboration and drive tangible growth for decades to come.”

Lee Hartley, Fairstone founder and deputy chair, adds: “The North East has arrived at a pivotal moment.

“Devolution represents an incredible opportunity to create a region that thrives locally while competing on wider domestic and global stages.

“But to realise that potential, we must be bold and brave, combining a refreshed identity with considered investment, skills and infrastructure strategies that lay a platform for long-term growth.

“This white paper presents a clear roadmap to translate that potential into measurable economic impact.”

The white paper will be officially unveiled at an invite-only dinner at Jesmond Dene House, in Newcastle, on Thursday, November 27.

Register your interest to receive a copy of the white paper by emailing Bdaily editor Steven Hugill at steven@bdaily.co.uk.

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