Local authority lays out economic roadmap

A new long-term economic strategy aiming to boost jobs, productivity and investment has been launched to drive growth across Northumberland over the next decade.

Northumberland County Council unveiled the Northumberland Economic Strategy 2025-2035 during the Northumberland Rural Business Showcase at Alnwick Playhouse, attended by more than 100 business leaders, partners and stakeholders.

The strategy outlines plans to create up to 11,000 new jobs and increase productivity across the county by £850 million annually by 2035. 

Developed with input from businesses and regional partners, it sets out a roadmap for sustainable and inclusive economic growth.

Key priorities include strengthening major sectors, improving access to finance, investing in infrastructure and ensuring residents have the skills needed to thrive in a changing economy.

Central to the strategy is the proposed Northumberland Growth Fund, designed to accelerate economic development and support business expansion across the county.

The fund is being enabled by the £10 billion investment by QTS Data Centres and Blackstone to develop a new data centre campus in Cambois. 

Up to £110 million will be ringfenced for projects aligned with the strategy’s ambitions, including infrastructure improvements and enterprise support.

Plans also include an Economic Infrastructure Programme to advance priority projects and a recyclable investment fund to help businesses innovate and grow.

Leaders say the strategy marks the start of a collaborative effort between the public, private and voluntary sectors to shape Northumberland’s economic future.

Glen Sanderson, leader of Northumberland County Council, said: “This strategy sets out our ambition for the county, based on our strengths and capabilities - of which there are many; it ensures Northumberland is actively driving a positive economic future.

“It’s about more than growth figures. 

“It’s about creating high-quality jobs, strengthening the resilience of our economy and ensuring that opportunity is shared across every part of the county.

“Seeing the great turnout at this event shows the vested interest the County has in making Northumberland a great place to live, work and invest.”

To view the Northumberland 2035 Economic Strategy, click here.

Read our recent roundtable report that was held at Brocksbushes Farm Shop, in which regional business leaders and policymakers discussed the future of rural Northumberland and the opportunities shaping its economy.

Want your business, product or service to be seen regionally and nationally? Bdaily helps you get your story in front of the right audience, every day. Find out how Bdaily can help →

Join more than 55,000 subscribers by signing up to our daily bulletin each morning here.