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The North East Growth Hub: levelling up the North East

By Colin Bell, Business and Sector Growth Director at the North East Local Enterprise Partnership


I don’t think it will surprise any individual or business who has searched for business support or funding when I say that the landscape can be confusing and difficult to navigate.

This is why the North East Growth Hub was created; to simplify the landscape through providing a single point of access to business support, and to offer specialist guidance in pinpointing how targeted interventions can help individuals and businesses make progress towards their vision and goals. 

The North East Growth Hub, which between 2018 and 2022 directly engaged with 115,134 people and businesses, also performs an important role in coordinating the business support ecosystem. It works with 75+ partners and 300+ delivery programmes to align collective activities towards the achievement of the North East Strategic Economic Plan, and the creation of more and better jobs.

Whilst not having direct control over business support funding, the North East Growth Hub has worked with the North East LEP’s Business Growth Board, and business support delivery partners, to identify gaps in businesses’ journeys from start up to scaleup. Targeted interventions have been developed to fill these gaps, which has led to the creation of a range of services including, Scaleup North East, Supply Chain North East, High Potential Startups, the Scaleup Leaders Academy, Peer Networks and Made Smarter Adoption North East – to name a few.

The approach to partnership and coordination has also enabled the region to quickly react to and deliver targeted services and funding to support businesses through seismic economic events, such as Brexit and the COVID-19 pandemic. 

It’s great therefore that the impact of the North East Growth Hub has been recognised through a recent independent evaluation, which to directly quote found that:

“Businesses that have engaged with the North East Growth Hub demonstrate tangibly higher rates of business growth than similar businesses that did not receive support, with each of employment, turnover, and labour productivity being stronger among supported beneficiaries than the control group.’’

Taking a deeper look, the study found that the 2602 business that received medium to high intensity support between 2018 and 2022 achieved higher levels of employment growth, 16% higher turnover growth, and an average £8.8k increase in turnover employee one year after engagement.

What this demonstrated is that the targeted support delivered through the North East Growth Hub works, and if scaled could have a significant impact in levelling up the region’s productivity performance.

What I’m particularly proud of is that despite facing ambiguity and cuts in funding, the team has been unwavering in their commitment to the people and businesses we serve, delivering exceptional person-centred support with passion and compassion, consistently achieving 96%+ customer satisfaction levels.

As we look to the future, it’s great that the North East has established many proven programmes and approaches – including the North East Growth Hub – that can be built on and taken to their next level.

You can access more information on the North East Growth Hub evaluation through the North East Evidence Hub.

If you’re looking for support to start, grow and improve your business then get in touch with the North East Growth Hub at www.northeastgrowthhub.co.uk.

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North East LEP business support platform successful in creating jobs and economic growth

An independent evaluation of one of the region’s leading business support platforms has shown its support for North East businesses has led to an increase in jobs, productivity and economic growth.

Organisations that received support from the North East Growth Hub, which is managed and delivered by the North East Local Enterprise Partnership, saw, on average, a 17% increase in employment, a 22% increase in turnover, and a performance increase of £8.8k per employee one year after receiving support.

The evaluation, which was carried out by Technopolis Group, also found the North East Growth Hub has been successful in curating and simplifying the business support landscape, making it easier for organisations to access finance, navigate economic shocks – like the COVID-19 pandemic and EU exit – and better understand their individual needs.

Lucy Winskell OBE, Chair of the North East Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “Since it was launched in 2014, the North East Growth Hub has been a lifeline for thousands of North East businesses.

“Between April 2018 and March 2022, more than 115,000 North East businesses have received personalised, tailored support from the North East Growth Hub, with thousands more accessing impartial advice via the website, northeastgrowthhub.co.uk.

“One area of the evaluation I’m particularly proud of is the recognition that the support provided by the North East Growth Hub is person-oriented, and that businesses feel the triage team and North East Connectors are ‘friendly insiders’; able to understand what businesses need, and how to find it.”

An econometric analysis of the North East Growth Hub looked at the business support platform’s success in delivering economic growth, increasing turnover, and improving performance in the North East economy. 

It found businesses that received support from the North East Growth Hub employed up to two new members of staff after one year, whilst businesses that didn’t receive support from the North East Growth Hub saw close to zero employee growth. Overall, 41% of businesses supported by the Growth Hub saw an increase in employee numbers over a three year period, compared to 28% of non-beneficiary businesses. Businesses aged five years or less saw an 8% increase, and SMEs with fewer than 50 employees saw a 5% increase in employment, compared to 3% for larger businesses.

Business that engaged with the North East Growth Hub also saw a significant rise in their turnover. After one year, the average increase was £378k (22%), compared with £81k (6%) for businesses that didn’t receive support. Companies operating in the manufacturing sector earned £291k more, the professional services saw a £234k increase, and businesses operating in the wholesale and retail sector reported a £170k increase in turnover. A third of businesses saw an average annual increase equivalent to £100k or higher.

The North East Growth Hub had a positive impact on the productivity of the region’s economy too, with businesses reporting, on average, an increase of £8.8k per employee one year after receiving support, compared with £0.3k for non-supported businesses. Over a three-year period, the amount of turnover per employee increased on average by £2.3k. The impact was highest for manufacturing businesses (£3.6k), followed by wholesale and retail (£3.3k), and professional services businesses (£2.5k).

Ammar Mirza CBE, Chair of the Business Growth Board at the North East Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “It’s clear from this report that the impact of the North East Growth Hub on business growth and the region’s economic prosperity is far and wide-reaching.

“The North East Growth Hub has been successful in taking an often complex and confusing business support landscape, and making it clear and accessible. With further investment, it can continue to deliver on government’s ambition to level up the country, and provide the kind of human-centered, personal approach businesses want and need.

“Our approach to business support is one that works, and the North East Growth Hub is a hugely important asset for the region’s business community. It’s a trusted partner that brings business support providers together in one place. That coordination role for the business support ecosystem in the region is one of the reasons for its success, and now is the time to invest in its future; for the benefit of our region’s business community, and the economy as a whole.”

The North East Growth Hub is one of the best performing Growth Hubs in the country, with businesses that have engaged seeing average employee growth reaching 17%, compared with the national average of 14%. The 22% average increase in turnover of North East businesses also exceeds the national average of 19%. 

In addition to providing a point of access for organisations seeking business support and finance and funding, the North East Growth Hub also works with partners to deliver a number of nationally-funded business support programmes, including Made Smarter Adoption North East, High Potential Startups and the Peer Networks programme. The North East Growth Hub has played an integral role in the creation of some of the region’s leading business support services, including Scaleup North East, Supply Chain North East, and the Scaleup Leaders Academy, and it is also part of the regional Growth Hub cluster. 

To read the evaluation of the North East Growth Hub in full, visit the North East Evidence Hub.

Businesses looking for support to start, grow or improve their business can visit the North East Growth Hub at northeastgrowthhub.co.uk.

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North East LEP Annual Review 2022-2023 Published

The North East Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) has published its Annual Review detailing its activities during 2022-2023.

The LEP’s Annual Review highlights key achievements over the last 12 months and explores the new funding and decision-making powers that will be created as part of the North East Devolution Deal.

Particular achievements highlighted in this year’s report include the relaunch of the North East Evidence Hub, which brings together key data and evidence about the region to support decision making and to make evidence more accessible for stakeholders and partners across the region.

The report also describes how independent evaluation has demonstrated that businesses supported by the Growth Hub have achieved a £8.8k turnover per employee improvement and that overall, £292million additional Gross Value Added and 4,435 additional jobs have been added to the economy since 2017.

In Skills, the team has continued to make an impact locally and nationally in delivering the government’s technical education agenda for young people and adults, bringing together key regional stakeholders to develop and deliver a regional Apprentice Ready vision.

The LEP has also launched The North East Commercial Property Investment Fund, managed by FW Capital, this year. The fund provides loans of between £2 to £7 million to support new or refurbished grade A commercial office and industrial space. It is predicted that it will create up to £119 million investment over the next 15 years, creating 5,600 jobs and developing 140,000 sq m of commercial space.

Transport has always been central to the Strategic Economic Plan, lead fiercely by colleagues at Transport North East. The Annual Review details the significant investment that has been secured and released to drive forward the Transport Plan in 2022/23.

Helen Golightly, LEP Chief Executive Officer, said: “This Annual Review is full of activity that is driving forward our mission to deliver the North East Strategic Economic Plan. Our plan has always been to create 100,000 more jobs in the economy, of which 70% are better jobs, between 2014 and 2024 as we strive to create a stronger, greener and more inclusive economy for the region.

“It is currently a time of transition for the LEP following the exciting announcement of the North East Devolution Deal. The Annual Review details our commitment to a strengthened region-wide partnership working with colleagues to play our part in realising this ambitious, historic deal.”

Click here to view the 2022/23 Annual Review.

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High Force Research apprenticeship case study

In conversation with Jane Klotz, HR Manager at High Force Research

Why did High Force Research choose to invest in apprenticeships?

There are two reasons why the company is so supportive of apprenticeships.

The first is that it’s at the heart of our directors whose own career journeys started down that route. It’s very much a value that we have within the organisation; to give young people an opportunity and route into life sciences.

And second, we see it as a great way to attract young talent, especially those that feel University isn’t the route for them. We could be losing out on some great chemists by only taking on graduates.

What are some of the benefits of taking on an apprentice?

We can mold apprentices in the way we want to, and by learning on the job they very quickly become productive. We are able to get our apprentices working alongside our existing team early on and teach them the things we think they need to learn.

The two apprentices in the company at the moment – Charlie and Jude – are both very committed, and so are the two new apprentices we’re taking on in the autumn. They’ve all demonstrated a real willingness to learn and a passion for life sciences.

Apprenticeships are cost effective too. We’ve chosen to pay more than the apprenticeship rate, and we review salaries annually as they progress through their training. There are no tuition fees for the apprentice to pay and because we’re an SME we only pay a nominal amount towards their academic learning. So it’s really good value for money.

Do you think there is a lack of understanding in the sector about the value of apprenticeships?

Yes, definitely. Historically people still see apprenticeships as being a poor relation to other qualifications.

Apprenticeships are certainly working for us, and the conversations I’ve been having with peers in recent weeks suggest they are beginning to open their eyes and see them as a way forward too.

Why do you think apprenticeships and other vocational qualifications are an important route to careers in health and life sciences?

University isn’t for everyone; I didn’t go to university. How many 18 years old really know what they want to do as a career. Choosing the right degree, and the cost implications that come with it, can be difficult depending on your socio-economic background.

Apprenticeships give people the option to pursue something they love and be on a financial par with graduates. Our apprentices will achieve two qualifications, a degree in Laboratory Science and an apprenticeship qualification. The apprenticeship covers a lot more around business management and all the processes the apprenticeship framework covers. It makes them a very well rounded individual.

Apprenticeships build that understanding of the workplace and develop a business mindset.

Do you think apprenticeships can help address some of the skill gaps in the sector?

Yes, definitely. Because of the way the course is structured and apprentices join from age 18 and 19, we can start to lay those foundations to help them understand what skills and knowledge they need, how we do business, and what the world of work is about. And at the same time they’re learning the technical skills and knowledge that enable them to do the job effectively.

How has the High Force Research apprenticeship programme benefitted the company?

Both Charlie and Jude have a real enthusiasm for what they do and that’s reflected in the quality of their work.

In the second year of his apprenticeship, Jude was one of our most experienced QC analysts. His productivity, even within the first two years of his four-year course, was phenomenal. And Charlie is very much the same.

In the first six months of an apprenticeship, people are picking up the skills, techniques and knowledge so they’re not as productive at that stage. But that changes very quickly and Charlie and Jude are now training some of our new graduates.

Graduates often come to us with a degree in chemistry, but they’ve then got to apply that knowledge to a workplace environment. And it’s all quite new for them; it’s on a completely different scale to what they’ve experienced at University. They don’t, for example, understand the quality system we work towards, whereas our apprentices are learning that from day one. That’s why they’re able to train and mentor new starters.

Why should other health and life sciences businesses consider taking on apprentices?

It’s good for business. I think people worry its going to be a huge burden but it’s actually contributing to your success.

It helps with succession planning too as you’re creating a pipeline of future talent. You also get to nurture that talent and help people grow through their careers.

We’re making sure our apprentices have the opportunity to work in different areas too, so Charlie, for example, will be working with the R&D team. He will be building on the skills he already has.

It’s good for business and I think it’s the right thing to do; it’s a moral obligation.

What advice would you give to other health and life sciences businesses that are considering taking on apprentices?

Think about where that young person would be best placed within the business. Have you got a good team around them and can you allocate a mentor. Do you need to provide some training for that person to be a good mentor or do you already have those skills within your existing team?

Be really clear that you’re giving that young person the best possible experience so you’re setting them up to succeed, not to fail.

We decided to take on two apprentices so they could buddy up with each other. It can be tough fitting in work, study and meeting various deadlines. We do provide time for them to study, and we also provide flexible working. Businesses should think about their working pattern and if they have the right supervision in place.

Finding the right partner is also key. Some providers ask apprentices to go in once a week, and others provide distance learning. Businesses need to consider what the right learning style is for each individual apprentice. You do need to make sure your apprentices are hitting their milestones, and the partnership provider will help with that.

We also had no problem finding apprentices. We advertised via the government website and within one week we had 50 applicants.

I think businesses have a responsibility to create opportunities for young people. They’re the talent of the future.


In conversation with Charlie Ellison and Jude Humphrey, apprentices at High Force Research

Why did you choose to study an apprenticeship over other routes to employment, e.g. A Levels?

Jude: When I was at school I always liked the practical side of things, and the unique appeal of an apprenticeship was that I’d get to work in a lab every day doing hands on work alongside the academic work. That really appealed to me

An apprenticeship is a really good opportunity to get the skills you need in industry whilst you’re studying. And you’re also earning a wage at the same time.

Charlie: For me it was about gaining experience in the workplace, specifically in a lab environment, whilst still achieving a degree. It really gives you an edge over people that go down the university route because they have the theory, but not the manufacturing experience.

You save a lot of money too, there are no tuition fees to think about. Our fees are paid and we earn a wage.

How do you think gaining practical experience while you study will benefit your career?

Charlie: When I’ve spoken to chemists that came from an undergraduate route, they’ve told me lots of jobs they’ve applied for require two years’ experience. Because Jude and I have chosen an apprenticeship route, we now have four years’ experience. That gives us a significant head start over other people. It really improves your confidence as you develop in your career.

Jude: If we were up against the same person going for a job, but they were fresh out of university, we’ve got the same degree but five years of industry experience and we’re fully trained. That gives us a massive advantage over that person.

Also, some of the work I do at university as part of my apprenticeship feeds into my role at High Force Research, and vice versa. I work in analytical chemistry and we’ve just got a new analytical unit at university. A lot of the work we’ve done I already know, which has given me a head start with coursework. I’m also learnt a lot of new things that I can bring into the business too.

What do you enjoy most about your apprenticeship?

Jude: I think for me it’s getting to do lab work everyday. I get to do a range of different analytical techniques and employ a wide range of skills. I’m always being trained in new things so work always feels fresh and different.

As part of our apprenticeship we get 20% of our time to invest in studying and training so I’ve done a first aid course and fire warden training, which has given me some additional qualifications.

We also still get to visit University and take part in social events with other people on our course, so we’re not missing out on that university experience either.

Charlie: There’s a great team of chemists and office staff here who are always available to help me, Jude and new starters to the business. It’s such a nice friendly group of people. The management team is always pushing to give us extra opportunities and experiences too. I got to work in our research site at NETPark and do some completely different chemistry, which was an excellent experience.

It’s a nice feeling to know you’re being trusted with new opportunities. We’re not treated like an apprentice; we feel part of the team.

Why should other young people interested in a career in health and life sciences consider an apprenticeship?

Charlie: After doing it for three years, I definitely wouldn’t change my decision about doing an apprenticeship. For me, it’s been a much better experience than going to university.

I’ve really valued being trusted and having the opportunity to work alongside high-level chemists as well as lecturers. Jude and I are currently the only two apprentices at High Force Research and we get to be around PhD and masters chemists who share their knowledge with us and help us develop. We learn things you just wouldn’t cover at university.

Jude: You get a real in-depth knowledge of industry and understand how a company works. People that do a degree don’t get that. We’ve gained skills in other areas too, like business improvement, and health and safety. We’ve also seen how to take an idea right through to the product stage.

There’s also the added benefit that, for most people studying an apprenticeship, you have a guaranteed job after too.

To find out more about High Force Research, visit highforceresearch.com

To find out more about apprenticeships, visit northeastambition.co.uk/options

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Getting Building Fund support sees expansion of AirView Park Enterprise Zone

Two new state-of-the-art flexible workspace buildings are currently being built on the AirView Park development in Woolsington following a £944k investment from government’s Getting Building Fund.

Strategically located next to Newcastle International Airport, AirView Park aims to grow the number of businesses in the North East involved in international trade and attract inward investment from startups and SMEs keen to take advantage of the region’s global trade links.

When complete, the two workspaces that form part of Phase Two of the development will have the potential to support up to 100 new SMEs and provide the flexibility for businesses to expand and grow, creating more local jobs and providing a boost to the North East economy.

The £944k awarded to developer Tynexe Commercial Ltd from the Getting Building Fund ensured essential infrastructure works could be delivered during the coronavirus pandemic and construction of the new employment sites could continue.

Helen Golightly OBE, Chief Executive of the North East Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “By responding to the changes brought about by the pandemic and creating office space that meets the needs of businesses both now and in the future, the new developments at AirView Park have already generated a lot of interest.

“By focusing Getting Building Fund investment on key strategic sites like AirView Park, the North East LEP is helping to create the right environment for businesses to grow and create more and better jobs in the region.

“The development’s location next to Newcastle International Airport also supports the North East LEP’s ambition to increase the number of North East businesses that export goods and services from 6% to 9.5% by 2030.”

One of 21 Enterprise Zones sites across the North East, AirView Park aims to create more SME businesses focussed on growing and maximising trade and inward investment between North East England and the rest of the world. It also aims to attract UK or global companies looking to build or establish a strategic northern base, as well as fully support organisations wishing to take advantage of new and existing export routes.

The North East Trade and Export strategy – published in 2021 by the North East LEP, North East England Chamber of Commerce and Department for International Trade – showed approximately 4,500 businesses in the North East region (North East LEP and Tees Valley Combined Authority areas) currently export goods and services. Businesses in the North East LEP area that currently export goods and services typically generate over £15bn of revenue from exporting each year.

One of the new buildings will provide a dedicated Business Support Hub for North East SMEs, offering a physical service centre for export expansion. All key exporting services and resources will be co-located at the Hub, creating a launch pad for businesses to begin international trade.

The second building, Denyer Court, will offer multiple leased office units or a single occupancy HQ building.

Mike Clark, Director of Tynexe Commercial Limited, developers of AirView Park, added, “We are delighted to have the full support and backing of the North East LEP as the allocated grant funding has enabled us to progress the site at pace, delivering a high quality scheme to meet market demands at a time when needed.

“We are already receiving enquiries from potential new occupiers, some operating in emerging and fast growing industries, so we are very confident that Phase Two and AirView Park will become a key site for Newcastle and the wider North East economy.”  

Mark Hunt, Chief Financial Officer at Newcastle International Airport, said: “The Airport provides multiple daily connections to some of the largest airport hubs across Europe and the Middle East, seamlessly connecting businesses in the region to the rest of the world. AirView Park is a prime site that provides a lot of opportunity for growth, export links and inward investment. We are very much looking forward to the completion of the scheme and welcoming the companies that choose to locate there.

“Global trade relations are key to the continued growth of the North East, and as we begin to see a way out of the economic downturn, our export links with countries like Pakistan are very important. Collaborations and strategic partnerships linking local companies with those overseas can help deliver a stronger recovery and so Newcastle International Airport, as a gateway to international markets, very much supports discussions like this with potential trade partners.”

Newcastle City Council’s Cabinet member for Resilient City, Cllr Alex Hay, who has responsibility for jobs and the economy, said: “AirView Park is going to be an important generator of jobs being so close to Newcastle International Airport – the main gateway to the region.

“The construction of these two buildings will form a key part of that development and provide a further boost to the local economy once they are filled with small to medium-sized businesses, so I warmly welcome them.”

When complete, AirView Park will offer 175,000 sq ft of bespoke offices, tailor-made to suit businesses looking to relocate to more cost effective out of town premises. AirView Park is already home to the national headquarters of Bellway Homes plc.

The Getting Building Fund was established early in the coronavirus pandemic to kick-start the economy, create jobs and help areas realise growth opportunities coming out of the coronavirus pandemic. The North East Local Enterprise Partnership is managing £47m awarded through the Getting Building Fund to support capital investment across the North East. 

The two new state-of-the-art flexible workspace buildings supported by the Getting Building Fund are due to be completed by the end of the year.

For more information about AirView Park visit www.airviewpark.co.uk.

Find out more about the Getting Building Fund and the other funding programmes managed by the North East Local Enterprise Partnership.

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Sara Davies MBE celebrates inspirational achievements of North East entrepreneurs

Dragons’ Den star and founder of Crafter’s Companion, Sara Davies MBE, joined 99 North East entrepreneurs at Crowne Plaza Newcastle to celebrate the creation of 99 new jobs and 58 new, high growth businesses in the region. 

Graduates of the High Potential Startups business accelerator programme – delivered by the North East Local Enterprise Partnership (North East LEP) – the ‘North East 90’ joined Sara Davies MBE at a celebratory event with members of the wider North East business and startup community.  

Of the pre-start entrepreneurs that joined the programme in the thick of the pandemic, 25 have already begun trading and a further 33 have incorporated new businesses. To date, the new businesses have generated £2.7 million in turnover and created 99 new jobs across the region. 

Colin Bell, Business and Sector Growth Director at the North East LEP, said: “Having a great business idea, and then turning that idea into a reality, are two very different things. 

“High Potential Startups was created to help entrepreneurs in our region really focus their ideas, and then with the help of industry experts, take their business to market. 

“Starting a business can be an intimidating prospect, especially in the middle of one of the most disruptive times in modern history, but through High Potential Startups we were able to support participants to build robust and resilient business models, understand their customers, fill skills gaps, truly understand their business finance needs, and build the confidence required to step over the line and start their own business. 

“The result has been the creation of 58 new, ambitious, and high growth North East startup businesses, and 99 new jobs.”  

Some of the businesses that took part in High Potential Startups include South Shields-based OGEL, which has created the only patented building system in the world that uses recycled plastic. OGEL founder, Gary Giles, went on to appear on BBC’s Dragons’ Den, securing investment offers from two of the Dragons, including Sara Davies MBE. Since taking part in High Potential Startups, OGEL has created new jobs, secured new premises, invested in new equipment, and is focused on growing the business further. 

bcausam, which has offices in Northumberland and Leeds, helps charities maximise their impact and fundraising potential using newly developed technology. The company is aiming to employ more staff at its Newcastle and Leeds offices before expanding into the US.  

And clothing brand Saint Belle, created by Northumbria University graduate Isabella Dryden, is now stocked in Fenwick and will launch a new children’s wear collection in 2022. 

Isabella Dryden, Founder of Saint Belle, said: “I’m so grateful that I experienced High Potential Startups. It changed my life. I got so much out of being given the encouragement, support and having someone to listen to your idea.” 

Sara Davies MBE, Dragons’ Den star and founder of Crafter’s Companion, said: “As someone who has started and grown a business from scratch, I know how long and difficult the journey can be. 

“It’s been so inspiring to meet the High Potential Startups entrepreneurs and hear how the programme has helped them build their own high growth businesses. 

“Encouraging and nurturing business startups is vital for a growing economy, so it’s great to see my home region flying the flag for entrepreneurship. I wish every single business all the success for the future.” 

North East entrepreneurs interested in starting a new high growth business in the region are encouraged to visit the North East Growth Hub and book an appointment with a North East Growth Hub Connector, or visit the Business Startup toolkit for support and advice. 

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North East LEP investment aims to grow region’s battery sector

The North East Local Enterprise Partnership has awarded more than £90k through its Project Development Accelerator Fund to expand the work of a new partnership aimed at growing the North East’s battery sector.

The North East Battery Alliance (NEBA), which is led by Newcastle University, aims to build on the North East’s existing strengths in electrification, automotive, and advanced manufacturing to raise awareness of the North East as a leading hub for the battery industry and attract further inward investment.

NEBA will create an ecosystem in the region that includes research and innovation centres, education and skills organisations, the public sector, battery cell manufacturers, and the associated supply chain, to stimulate further growth in the sector.

The North East’s reputation as a burgeoning centre of battery research, innovation, skills and production led to the Faraday Institution opening a regional office in Newcastle upon Tyne (FINE – Faraday Institution North East) in 2021.

NEBA was created in response to the ongoing expansion of the North East’s battery sector, which will include Britishvolt’s lithium-ion gigaplant facility in Northumberland, and Envision-AESC’s gigafactory on the International Advanced Manufacturing Park (IAMP) in Sunderland / South Tyneside.

The North East’s five universities (Durham, Newcastle, Northumbria, Sunderland and Teesside) are collaborating to form work groups reviewing all aspects of battery production – from raw materials to recycling, to strengthen the region’s research offering in this space.

Professor Colin Herron CBE from NEBA, Newcastle University and the Faraday Institution North East (FINE), said: “The creation of a North East Battery Alliance is another important step in making North East England an internationally recognised centre for batteries, from mining to recycling, business support, research and skills. This announcement builds upon the recent decision of the Faraday Institution to locate its first regional office in Newcastle University. All the region’s universities together with CPI and the battery industry have a once in a generation opportunity to deliver a truly transformational activity for the region, supported by the North East LEP.”

Andrew Moffat CBE, Chair of the Investment Board at the North East Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “The UK has a legally binding target to reach net zero emissions by 2050. Expanding green and sustainable sources of energy is a key part of government’s net zero strategy.

“The North East is one of the leading destinations in the world for advancements in clean energy, and because of this our region has a significant role to play in delivering the UK’s net zero target.

“The NEBA will support the creation of more green jobs in the region and attract further investment in our energy sector. It will help build regional capacity and capability in every stage of the battery making process, from technological research right through to manufacturing supply chains.”

The initial funding awarded from the North East Local Enterprise Partnership will be used to design and develop plans for a dedicated NEBA office in the region, which will lead to the creation of new cutting-edge battery research facilities in the North East.

NEBA is a collaborative partnership comprising the deep tech innovation organisation the Centre for Process Innovation (CPI), Northumbria University, Durham University, Teesside University and Sunderland University. It also plans to establish links with other regional and national universities; training providers; The Catapult Network; the Faraday Institution; Driving the Electric Revolution; Innovate UK; UK Research and Innovation; and regional bodies such as the North East Automotive Alliance.

Tony Jackson, Director of Formulation at CPI said; ‘’We’re excited to be supporting the UK battery ecosystem to improve battery sustainability, performance, and longevity from optimising raw materials, to supporting reuse and recyclability. Using our high-tech facilities and research expertise we can identify healthier, more sustainable chemicals and higher-performing formulations to boost battery efficiency and reduce the impact on the environment. This funding for the North East Battery Alliance will position the North East a leader in green battery technology and bring the UK one step closer to critical net zero targets.’’

Professor Pam Thomas, CEO, Faraday Institution, said: “This is another positive move to further integrate the region’s battery ecosystem to clear the path from the research bench to innovation and commercial manufacture so that the UK can prosper in this energy transformation.”

Read more about the North East’s Energy for Growth strategy.

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Supporting North East businesses through the coronavirus pandemic and EU Exit

By Helen Lee, Programme Manager – Growth Hub, at the North East Local Enterprise Partnership


Managing and running a business over the past two years has been a truly unique experience.

The combination of the coronavirus pandemic and the UK’s exit from the European Union has resulted in one of the biggest global economic shocks in our lifetime, leaving many businesses in need of support, advice and guidance to help the weather the storm.

As one of the leading business support and finance and funding platforms in the region, the North East Growth Hub has had a vital role in the North East’s economic response. To better understand the North East Growth Hub’s role in supporting businesses during COVID-19 and the UK’s departure from the EU, the North East Local Enterprise Partnership commissioned Steer Economic Development (Steer-ED) to produce a detailed case study as part of its evaluation of the North East Strategic Economic Plan. The North East Growth Hub is a key strand of activity within the Business Growth programme of delivery, which helps deliver the ambitions of the Plan. The case study is based on survey feedback from the region’s business community, and business support, finance and funding providers.

It shows the coronavirus pandemic caused a huge spike in demand for business support services as employers struggled to navigate the flurry of announcements and guidance released by government. And it was largely micro businesses – those with less than ten employees – that came to the North East Growth Hub for support and advice.

Despite the rise in demand for our services, response rates and satisfaction rates have consistently remained high, even at a time when many businesses reaching out to us were ineligible for the support they had hoped for. 73% of respondents said they were satisfied or very satisfied with the North East Growth Hub, and a third of businesses that contacted us during the pandemic received a response on the same day.

Interestingly, 69% of businesses that responded to the survey were first time users of North East Growth Hub, which demonstrates the widespread impact of COVID-19 on the region’s business community. Whilst the effects of the pandemic were the main driver for many of these businesses reaching out to us, it has allowed us to signpost other business support and finance and funding services available to them.

The volume of information aimed at businesses during the pandemic has been overwhelming for many, so it’s positive to see 77% of businesses rated the quality of content on northeastgrowthhub.co.uk as good or very good. It was essential for us to make sure content from government and other partners was accessible to all businesses, and delivered in a timely and efficient manner.

I’m also very glad to see the hard work of our Growth Hub Connectors recognised in the case study. As well as providing business support and finance and funding advice, Connectors were also there to listen. At the height of the pandemic there was a lot of uncertainty, which left many business owners feeling vulnerable and anxious about the future. The Growth Hub Connect team spent time listening and talking to businesses so they could better understand their individual circumstances.

As a result, 83% of respondents said they would likely re-engage with the North East Growth Hub and refer people in their network to the service. I think that’s testament to the team’s ability to positively impact and support North East businesses at a crucial time. There were some very emotive conversations with business owners, and I’d like to personally thank the Growth Hub Connectors for the extra time they spent with clients to help understand and resolve the very difficult challenges businesses were facing.

As well as highlighting feedback from businesses that engaged with the North East Growth Hub, the case study also reflects on comments from our Provider Network, which is the collective of business support and finance and funding providers we signpost North East businesses to via the Growth Hub. All respondents said they were happy with their relationship with the North East Growth Hub. This is wonderful to see as we consider our network of business support, finance and funding providers as an extension of our team. We very much felt like we were all in this together.

To have a trusted network of partners during the pandemic was very important as that open dialogue ensured we could deliver the right support to businesses. It also helped us better understand the offer from providers.

As we begin to emerge from the coronavirus pandemic and demand for support in this area reduces, we recognise that businesses will use the North East Growth Hub in different ways. The conclusions and outcomes in the report discuss this change in behavior in more detail, and how the North East Growth Hub can continue to provide the support businesses need.

If you’d like to know more about the North East Growth Hub, please visit northeastgrowthhub.co.uk or book an appointment to speak to a Growth Hub Connector. Our team has expanded during the coronavirus pandemic and we’re here to help businesses right across the North East LEP area.

There’s a huge amount of support available in our region for people looking to start or grow a business, so please get in touch to find out how we can help you on your business journey.

North East LEP Growth Hub: Responding to COVID-19 and EU Transition Case Study is available to read on the North East LEP’s Evidence Hub.

Home / Business Growth Projects

ZeroLight – the business revolutionising global car sales

‘Global North East: Driving growth in North East trade and exports’ is a new report published by the North East Local Enterprise Partnership – in partnership with the Department for International Trade (DIT) and North East England Chamber of Commerce – that outlines how the region can build its competitiveness, drive higher productivity, and create more and better jobs by increasing international trade.

To demonstrate how an increase in exporting in the North East can help build the region’s economy, below is a case study about cloud-based visualisation specialists, ZeroLight, and the company’s expansion into the global automotive market thanks to its pioneering ‘configurator’ platform.


From Lamborghini to Mitsubishi, global carmakers are turning to the talent of North East tech experts to sell cars in the COVID era.

Newcastle-based ZeroLight’s latest project has seen it successfully partner up with online retail giants Amazon, to create a platform for car manufacturers to launch new vehicles to the mass market, with access to the business’ pioneering “configurator”.

The company’s platform recently enabled the new Mitsubishi Outlander to become the first model ever launched on the Amazon Live platform. Car buyers in the USA can scrutinise the vehicle and make modifications before it even goes on sale, and subsequent marketing received by users will all feature the personal modifications they made to the vehicle.

ZeroLight is exporting its services across the world, working with the likes of Audi and VW in Germany, Mitsubishi in Japan, US firms Amazon and Lucid and Italian luxury car maker Lamborghini.

ZeroLight Managing Director, Darren Jobling, said: “Nobody buying a new car ever actually sees their car until it arrives. There might be a model similar in the showroom or one that is the same colour, but then you select your seats, alloy wheels, interior lighting, spoilers and everything else that is a complete unknown until the car arrives.

“What ZeroLight does is allow the customer to see the car they are actually going to buy – not just the model and colour, the exact specifications they have selected, and then all of the marketing or aftersales material they receive will be their exact car too.

“Lamborghini offers more possible combinations of specification than there are grains of sand on a beach, but ZeroLight can deliver that, and because it is in the cloud, we can do it across multiple platforms, so that becomes sharable content.”

The company launched its world-leading 3D configurator in 2020, with all content rendered in the cloud and streamed directly to the user via their mobile phone, tablet, or computer like an interactive video, with no on-device rendering or plug-ins required.

Currently manufacturers or dealerships have versions of a configurator on websites, but the ZeroLight system takes that to new levels, offering “the world’s most advanced car-buying journey” – with the ability to not only design a car, but test out its functions online across digital platforms such as Amazon and Facebook, not just a static company site.

The Mitsubishi/Amazon project in the US follows a similar successful partnership between Zerolight and Facebook for Skoda, last year.

Darren added: “The COVID-19 pandemic has had a huge impact on all of industry but hit carmakers and retailers particularly hard. Prior to COVID, buyers visited a dealership an average of seven times before making a purchase, during the pandemic that has come down to 1.5 visits, so the industry knew it had to do things differently and learn how to do it quickly.

“ZeroLight took that interactive experience we have been using in the games industry for years and applied it to the car buying experience. It makes buying a car more personal and more enjoyable and with Volvo predicting that 100% of sales will be done online by 2030, it helps align the industry with the rapid change we have seen in shopping habits over the past year.”

ZeroLight has grown its workforce throughout the pandemic, recruiting 55 new people to its 145-strong workforce in Newcastle over the last year.

It has received support from the Department for International Trade, attending trade missions to China and Japan, as well as accessing funding to exhibit at trade shows in Europe.

Victoria Gemmill, of the DIT Northern Powerhouse Regional Team, said: “ZeroLight is an amazing company with a client roster of well-established global brands, all of which clearly recognise the value of its digital configurator to keep up with emerging retail trends.

“To be recognised the world over for your unique offer is something to be proud of and long may ZeroLight’s success continue.”

Gareth Beese, Export Strategy Development Lead for the North East, said: “ZeroLight must be congratulated for not only growing its global exports, but also its talented workforce during a worldwide pandemic.

“The configurator is clearly a vital tool for carmakers and retailers, who, like all industries, are learning how to operate in the post-COVID world quickly and successfully.”


Read more about ‘Global North East: Driving growth in North East trade and exports’.