Mayor backs North East businesses in Japan

A North East delegation has strengthened international business links and opened new doors for businesses during a trade mission to Japan.

North East mayor Kim McGuinness has been meeting leading companies across green energy, transport, technology and creative industries as part of the visit, championing opportunities for firms based in the region. 

The mission has included conversations with major names such as Nissan and Hitachi, as well as emerging innovators in sectors from solar tech to gaming.

Mayor McGuinness, pictured below with the bosses at Tokoyo Gas, has also been promoting businesses such as Seaham-based Power Roll, which develops ultra-thin solar film, as well as global marine insurer NorthStandard, which operates from both Newcastle and Tokyo.

Mayor McGuinness said: “We came to Japan to secure more good quality jobs for people in the North East and that’s exactly what we’ve done. 

“Earlier this week we signed two new deals with Hitachi – one to help us make sure all local buses are zero-emission in the next decade and another to create a green energy hub with Port of Tyne.  

“But alongside creating more skilled jobs, we have been working hard to attract investment and showcase our fantastic export firms.  

“We’ve brought together one of the biggest energy companies in Japan, Tokyo Gas, with growing County Durham based start-up Power Roll who are building the next generation of solar technology that is lighter, more flexible and most cost effective. 

“Tokyo Gas want to invest in tech just like this and we want to bring that investment back to the region. 

“These opportunities will create more green jobs for our communities as we make the North East the home of the green energy revolution.” 

Mayor McGuinness added: “I was also pleased to meet with the team at NorthStandard in Tokyo. 

“The firm was founded on the banks of the Tyne and now plays a vital role in the thriving global maritime sector. 

“I’ve met some incredible businesses during my time here and have been proud to shout about the amazing companies in our own region and the part they play in global exports.” 

Neil Spann, chief executive of Power Roll, added: “We are delighted to see mayor Kim McGuinness championing green innovation from the North East of England during her visit to Japan. 

“This is an important step as Japan aims to lead the world in next-generation solar technologies, targeting 20 GW of perovskite solar by 2040. 

“At Power Roll, we are proud to be at the forefront of solar innovation with our patented, lightweight, and flexible solar film, and we are committed to expanding our partnerships in Japan. 

“We were pleased to virtually join a meeting with the mayor and Tokyo Gas to discuss how our breakthrough technology can be scaled to meet Japan’s ambitious goals. 

“Tokyo Gas clearly recognises the huge potential of low-cost solar solutions, and we look forward to continuing this collaboration. 

“This partnership not only accelerates the adoption of green technology in Japan, but also demonstrates how innovation from the North East can drive global progress toward net-zero." 

Paul Jennings, managing director at NorthStandard, added: “NorthStandard’s Tokyo team were delighted to host Kim McGuinness, the North East mayor, at our office earlier this week.

“The visit was a fantastic opportunity to discuss the global shipping industry and the important role that North East businesses play in international trade. 

“At NorthStandard, we’re proud to represent the region on a global stage and continue driving conversations that shape the future of maritime.” 

During the visit, Mayor McGuinness announced two new agreements with Hitachi – one supporting her ambition to transition the region’s bus network to zero-emission vehicles within the next decade, with the other exploring the creation of a clean energy hub with the Port of Tyne to stimulate investment and jobs.

Mayor McGuinness signed two new memorandum of understanding agreements at the Hitachi headquarters in Tokyo

Matt Beeton, chief executive of the Port of Tyne, added: “Being part of the North East's first trade mission to Japan was a real privilege. 

“Our region has huge potential and, whether it’s smart ports, energy transition or low-carbon logistics, the Port of Tyne will help spearhead developments in these key areas in the years ahead.

“Harnessing Hitachi's world-class expertise to create a future fuels hub is tremendously exciting for the region, as we strengthen our thriving North Sea freight and passenger connections."

John McCabe, chief executive of the North East Chamber of Commerce, added: “Mayor McGuinness’s mission to Japan powerfully reinforces the ambition at the heart of our policy plan ‘Unlocking the North East Economy’.  

“By showcasing world-class companies like Port of Tyne, Hitachi, NorthStandard and Power Roll from the North East, the mayor is helping to open new markets, attract long-term investment and strengthen the global profile of our region’s innovation economy. 

“This is exactly the kind of place-based, outward-looking leadership that will accelerate growth, create quality jobs and ensure the North East is recognised internationally as a hub for green energy, advanced manufacturing and maritime expertise.  

“The Chamber strongly welcomes this work and continues to back efforts helping our businesses thrive and sustainably and inclusively grow on the global stage.” 

NET recently hosted a roundtable in partnership with NorthStandard at their Tyneside headquarters on international trade and the North East, which was attended by Paul Jennings, Matt Beeton and Phil Witcherley, executive director for economy, innovation and culture at the North East Combined Authority, who has also been part of the North East delegation in Japan. To read the full report, see here.

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