International Trade and Investment
One NorthEast will target inward investment at international companies in key sectors where the North East already offers significant competitive strengths such as chemicals and pharmaceuticals.
We will develop a coordinated approach to the region’s strategic sectors through a focused Strategic Account Management Programme and identify new markets for these industries through One NorthEast’s global network of offices.
The strong aftercare service we offer to existing investors in the region will continue and we will build on our close working relationship with our partners at the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (DBERR) to attract new major international investments.
North East England has become one of the most dynamic regions in Europe. It is part of the world's largest market, the European Economic Area (EEA).
The region’s key strengths are:
- A dedicated and committed business support network
- Low operating costs
- A flexible, skilled and readily available workforce
- Fast and efficient logistics networks for the transport of products and components
- Strong academic support with an intelligence network of five universities and 24 colleges
- Excellent telecommunications
- A first class range of property and sites, offering solutions for all needs
- Competitive and substantial financial incentives
- An enviable inward investment track record
The North East has a strong reputation for innovation and industrial change. It is home to a number of Centres of Excellence: Digital Technology and Digital Media, Life Sciences, Emerging Technologies, New and Renewable Energy, and Process Industries.
In support of this, the region boasts strengths in other key areas including: customer service and shared service centres, food processing, advanced materials and ceramics, mechanical and precision engineering and plastics processing.
The region plays host to over 500 leading global companies which have created and safeguarded more than 75,000 jobs. One NorthEast is focused on attracting further inward investment from the UK and overseas by offering an attractive package of incentives.
The Agency also provides assistance to local companies looking to expand or diversify. North East England offers investors a region with the least risk in establishing a business and a higher net profit on average than any other UK region.
The workforce in the North East has a reputation for being hard working and flexible. The region has a population of 2.6 million people and a total labour force of 1.2 million. There is a readily available supply of labour, with a high proportion of people who are skilled or have been retrained.
A major consideration for new investors is the skill levels of the workforce. The North East is able to supply most labour requirements without difficulty. There is a wide range of agencies and organisations offering extensive training facilities and support to meet precise skills needs. Good employers experience little difficulty in retaining trained staff as the habit of leaving one job for marginal wage increases elsewhere is less marked than in other English regions.
Labour relations are now extremely good. The emphasis is on working flexibly, in a modern thriving industrial environment and in close co-operation with employers.
North East England has historical and cultural attractions and areas of outstanding natural beauty. These include two World Heritage Sites - Durham Cathedral and Hadrian's Wall - as well as medieval castles, a rich unspoilt countryside and a stunning coastline.
Industrial activity is concentrated around the rivers Tyne, Wear and Tees, with less heavily industrialised areas in Northumberland and County Durham. People in the North East have a strong sense of identity and take great pride in their region. Independent surveys consistently rank it as one of the best regions in the UK for its quality of life.
Click here to visit the dedicated Investment North East England website www.investnortheastengland.com
A new Strategy recognises the changing nature of inward investment internationally, with a move towards new forms of trade, alliances and joint ventures. The Strategy targets both foreign companies and others based elsewhere in the UK, as well as public sector organisations seeking the benefits the North East has to offer.
Building on good practice - including the Memorandum of Understanding with Shanghai and Jiangsu Province in China - the Strategy ensures the region effectively ‘account manages’ key overseas companies locating here.
The Agency offers businesses comprehensive aftercare support to encourage continued investment and embed companies into the region. We work seamlessly with UK Trade and Investment to provide this support and maximise new trading opportunities.
For more detailed data on the North East of England and more in-depth analysis, please click on the following link www.nerip.com,
If you are a business looking to relocate or expand in the North East, please contact Simon Goon for information on the advantages of locating in the region.
