Top 5 reasons why the North East is a Great place to Invest in Business opportunities

Mar 6
09:09

2008

Jenny Simpson

Jenny Simpson

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I run over 5 key reasons why you should be looking to invest in the north east, or even better relocate your business to the North East of England

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1.       Fast growing economy

The growth of the North East economy – measured in terms of gross value added (GVA) - outperformed the national average according to the latest figures.  It has expanded at a faster rate than other northern regions over several recent years which in itself is a good sign for the future.

2.       A truly innovative region

North East England has a reputation for creativity and innovation. This is deeply embedded in the historic tradition of the region – a tradition that has been reignited strongly in recent years.

The region’s Strategy for Success is stimulating ground-breaking developments on the science and technology front. World firsts in products and processes are being created in the fields of design,Top 5 reasons why the North East is a Great place to Invest in Business opportunities Articles new and renewable energies, life sciences and advanced materials in the nanotechnology field.

3.       A strong knowledge economy

Five universities and a large network of further education colleges are supporting the drive to create a high-skilled, high value-added business region.

Two of those universities – Newcastle and Durham – contain some of the leading research institutes in the UK and Europe. They are involved in the most advanced and exciting stem cell research in the world and in cutting edge materials science.

The other universities have outstanding strengths – for example, Northumbria in industrial product and fashion design, Sunderland in pharmacy and automotive engineering, and Teesside in software design and digital animation.

Our Centres of Excellence are also nurturing high technology companies in the North East. They are exploiting the commercial opportunities spinning out of research activities in life sciences, new and renewable energies, nanotechnology, digital media, and cutting edge engineering and process industries.

4.       A skilled and flexible workforce

The regional workforce has proven remarkably adaptable to change, as the economy has undergone massive structural change in the past 25 years. This is supported by an extensive network of training provision in addition to that provided by the universities and colleges. Companies in the region enjoy the benefits of a healthy and stable workforce, with absenteeism rates being the lowest in the UK making it an ideal place to locate or relocate your business.

5.       Great business support

The business support network in North East England is second to none. This fully integrated service, under the Business Link brand and the region’s Strategic Account Management programme, offers a brokerage model that puts companies in touch with the most appropriate advice and support to match their needs.

The vision is for a “single network that is easy to access and easy to use. It will set the standard for delivering business support and constantly seek to evolve in response to customer needs. Ultimately it will make a positive difference to the North East economy.”

Allied to this network is sectoral support for key industries. There is also specialist help in the areas of finance, productivity and supply chain improvement, technological development, marketing and exporting.

North East England is home to 588 overseas companies from 32 countries, employing over 27,000 people therefore making an ideal place for overseas investors looking for  business opportunities in the UK or business opportunities in England.