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Key takeaways from the North East Energy Catalyst Summit

“This region is unique. We have everything. The challenge for us as a region is how to take that gift and grow it and multiply it.” Professor Colin Herron of Zero Carbon Futures.

Earlier this week, more than 100 North East organisations came together at the North East Energy Catalyst Summit to explore opportunities that COP26 and the drive to reach Net Zero could bring to our region (you can watch a video of the event here).  

So, what were the key points which emerged during the Summit that can help our energy sector businesses to grow? David Lynch, the North East LEP’s Energy Innovation Partnership Manager, gives a summary.

Attracting investment

At the event we heard three different perspectives on investing in the North East. Tom Nightingale from Equinor gave an update on the development of the world’s largest wind farm at Dogger Bank. Components for the wind farm are being tested at the Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult in Blyth and the operations and maintenance base will be at the Port of Tyne.

Neil Spann, CEO of Power Roll, explained how the businesses is expanding its capabilities in the region with a new facility in County Durham, as it develops new ways to generate solar energy.

And we were absolutely delighted when Richard Blackwell from CrowdHouse Energy announced at the summit a commitment to invest in the North East with plans to create a manufacturing facility in the region as the business prepares to take its new Helios Volt technology around the world.  Why did they choose this region? Because his company was met with “delirious enthusiasm” – that’s what sets up apart! 

What all three investors have in common is an appreciation of the skills and track record our region has when it comes to energy innovation, our assets and infrastructure, and the joined-up approach and enthusiasm we have for driving forward our energy sector.  We’re making a significant contribution to carbon reduction – here in the North East.

Accelerating innovation and identifying opportunities

Many of our speakers talked about de-risking and accelerating new technologies, in turn creating new jobs and supply chain opportunities.

This is something we address through the North East Energy Catalyst’s challenge programme, which supports SMEs to develop and test new energy solutions. A new and exciting challenge will be launched in the next few weeks so sign up to our Energy for Growth newsletter and watch this space! .

The Energy Catalyst has recently commissioned a supply chain analysis which we’ll be able to share with you soon, identifying opportunities for supply chain investment in areas like green hydrogen, heat networks and heat pump manufacture.

Working together

The Energy Catalyst model has demonstrated that innovation works at its best when we bring businesses and academia together. We heard from Newcastle University, Northumbria University and Durham University about research into carbon reduction and the importance of taking a collaborative approach  to accelerate new technologies. 

Newly-formed partnerships like the North East Battery Alliance are raising awareness of the North East capabilities and, of course, the entire event was underpinned by the North East Energy Catalyst, whose members work together to showcase how the North East can accelerate decarbonisation through its innovation and demonstration assets.

Join us to drive future regional growth and investment across heat, power and transport. 

We need to make sure that, as a region, we are shouting loudly about what we can do here and making sure we can grab these opportunities. If you’re a business in the energy sector, I’d encourage you to be a part of this by:

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National Careers Week 2022 keynote speakers announced

The line-up of keynote speakers has been announced for this year’s National Careers Week launch event, which takes place online and in person on Monday 7 March.

The theme of the event is ‘You’ – how you as a careers leader, educator or employer can support young people to take control, explore, learn, and believe in their futures.

We’ll explore themes including:

  • how to make best use of labour market information,
  • building partnerships between business and education,
  • equipping young people with the skills employers need,
  • and helping them to see the opportunities open to them.

And throughout the event, we’ll hear from young people about their own experiences of careers guidance and their plans for the future.

Keynote speakers

The event will be hosted by Lucy Winskell OBE, Chair of the North East Local Enterprise Partnership.

Victoria Sutherland, Head of Evidence at the What Works Centre for Local Economic Growth will then give an insight into how factors including COVID, digitalisation and the drive to reach net zero are changing the job market and opportunities for young people.

Sarah Glendinning, Regional Director of the CBI, will focus on building closer links between employers and the curriculum.

Michelle Rainbow, the North East LEP’s Skills Director, will explain what’s been happening in the North East to improve careers guidance, and the impact it’s having on young people.

The North East LEP’s Education Challenge Regional Lead, Neil Willis, will share how schools and colleges in the North East are forming partnerships with employers to raise the standard of careers guidance.

Ellen Thinnesen, who is Chief Executive of Education Partnership North East which comprises City of Sunderland College, Northumberland College and Hartlepool Sixth Form, and Chair of the North East LEP’s Skills Advisory Panel, will talk about the changing skills landscape and why it is so important we understand and act on this.

And the Founder of National Careers Week, Nick Newman, will discuss how good careers guidance has the power to change lives.

The National Careers Week launch event headline partners are Natwest Group and NHS Health Careers.

If you’d like to join us, either online or in person at Newcastle Crowne Plaza, book your free place now: https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/national-careers-week-launch-event-2022-118579

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Funding awarded to strengthen the region’s presence in new markets

Over £325,000 of funding from the government’s UK Community Renewal Fund has been awarded to an innovative new initiative that will support North East organisations to understand, access and capitalise on market opportunities.

The Future Markets Acceleration Programme has been awarded £327,030 for projects across Gateshead and Sunderland and will focus on areas where the region has significant capabilities, including cyber security, electric vehicle battery materials and space technologies. The programme is structured around the establishment of new partnerships that bring innovation partners, businesses and other organisations together to identify new market opportunities and address bottlenecks that constrain market growth.

Alan Welby, Innovation Director at the North East Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), which will lead the programme, said: “The Future Markets Acceleration Programme is a novel approach which creates self-governing partnerships of businesses and organisations to make sure that, as a region, we are in the best possible position to grasp emerging opportunities and use our existing skills and expertise to bring more and better jobs to the North East.

“This funding is a commitment from both government and the region to the critical role that innovation plays in competitive and productive economies. We’re excited to be able to work with regional partners and businesses to help fast-track ideas, partnerships and support required to infiltrate new markets.”

Councillor Graeme Miller, leader of Sunderland City Council, said: “Sunderland has a track record of innovation, be that through its digital and software businesses that so often blaze a trail in their fields, or the ground-breaking work of Sunderland’s companies in electrification and advanced manufacturing. Funding that further advances their work in these sectors and others is very much welcome and we look forward to ensuring that every pound invested delivers the greatest possible return for UK Plc, by supporting our ambitious businesses to flourish, creating jobs and prosperity in the process.”

Councillor Malcolm Brain, Cabinet Member for the Economy at Gateshead Council, said: “This is vital funding to drive forward the Future Markets Acceleration Programme which is helping to create the future of our economy here in Gateshead.

“We want to support the growth of innovative businesses which will drive the creation of high-quality jobs.”

The UK Community Renewal Fund is a UK Government programme for 2021/22. This aims to support people and communities most in need across the UK to pilot programmes and new approaches to prepare for the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. It invests in skills, community and place, local business, and supporting people into employment. For more information, visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-community-renewal-fundprospectus 

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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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Younger, and more diverse, governors needed for North East schools

Having a strong and effective board of governors in a school can make a real difference to the life chances of young people. That’s why the North East Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) has formed partnerships with national organisations and programmes, including Inspiring Governance, to support employees from North East businesses to become governors. The North East LEP’s Neil Willis explains more.

School governors are the single largest group of volunteers in the UK. Over a quarter of a million people help improve outcomes for children and young people by volunteering as part of a school’s governing board. But we still need more governors – and a more diverse range of them – here in the North East.

Here at the North East LEP, 11 members of the team, including myself, are school governors. This has increased from two since we became the first LEP in the country to sign the School Governor Champion Charter, which supports staff members to become governors in local schools.

It’s a rewarding role and, as well as giving back to their community, people can improve their own skillsets in things like leadership and project management, so it’s an opportunity for personal and professional development too.

We recently commissioned some research from the National Governance Association, based on their 2021 Annual Governance Survey, into the picture in the North East. Nearly two thirds of respondents in our region find it a challenge to fill their governor vacancies. What’s more, 63% of governors who participated in the survey are aged 50 or over, and we’d love to see more young people taking on the role.

And of course we also want governing boards to reflect the communities they serve, so it was good to see that only 2.6% of respondents to the survey said their board didn’t reflect the makeup of their local community at all – although I’d love to see this number reduce to zero.

Governors can have a positive impact on careers education and guidance, and it’s recommended that boards identify a governor with the responsibility for taking a strategic interest in the school’s careers programme. It was encouraging to see that governors across the North East draw on their local employers and local employer partnerships, such as the LEP or Chamber, when developing their careers education strategy.

In many cases, this is a great opportunity for representatives from local businesses, who can bring their sector knowledge to the role. For a business that supports their employees to volunteer on governing boards it can be a great way of connecting with the community and developing your team’s professional skills.

While many individual volunteers and businesses are clearly involved with school governance in our region, it’s something we can build on, and we can do that by supporting a wider range of people, with a wider range of skills and experience, to get involved with their schools in the region.

It’s a myth that you need to know a lot about education to be a governor, and all sorts of skillsets are needed to make an effective governing body. There is a lot of support, professional development and training available to those who volunteer to ensure governing boards are effective in their core functions.

You can find out more about becoming a governor here, or email neil.willis@nelep.co.uk.  

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North East Local Enterprise Partnership reaction to ONS regional labour market statistics

Today’s statistics cover the North East region, which includes the North East LEP area and Tees Valley Combined Authority area. The headline rates cover the period October to December 2021.

The North East Local Enterprise Partnership’s Chief Executive, Helen Golightly OBE, has commented on today’s regional labour market statistics, released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS). 

“Today’s statistics give us a post furlough picture for the first time. They show that there wasn’t significant disruption at the end of the furlough scheme, but the North East continues to struggle, particularly because of rising levels of economic inactivity where people have left the labour market and are no longer looking for work. 

“We have seen a decrease in unemployment, which would usually be good news as it means that there are fewer people looking for work, but in the last year, instead of moving into employment, people looking for work have moved into the economically inactive category.  

“The latest data does not show the reasons for increased inactivity, but it does highlight a particularly large decrease in employment among North East women in the last year, which is concerning. 

“The number of people claiming unemployment related benefits in the North East LEP area shows a monthly rise that is 6,000 higher than at the start of the pandemic. It’s the first time we have seen a rise since February 2021.  

“We should also be concerned as this data reflects the trajectory in other recent data. The latest regional export data for Q3 2021 saw the value of North East exports decline for the third consecutive quarter. North East exports are now 7% lower than they were two years ago. 

“We urge government to strongly focus its levelling up agenda on the needs of the North East. It is clear that whilst many other regions are moving ahead as they recover from COVID-19, the North East continues to face labour market challenges. 

“We believe levelling up the economy is the right thing to do, but the time is now to invest in the places that need it the most.”

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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.

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Energy Summit to explore opportunities for region’s supply chain to deliver Net Zero solutions

Businesses in the North East energy sector are being invited to a free event that will discuss areas where the region can capitalise on innovative opportunities arising from COP26. The North East Energy Catalyst Summit will also showcase the best of our regional innovation and demonstration assets, illustrating the role of our laboratories, living labs and technical hubs in seeking solutions to Net Zero challenges.

The North East Energy Catalyst Summit, organised by the North East Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), will bring the sector together to discuss opportunities and accelerate the drive towards decarbonisation.  

David Lynch, Energy Innovation Manager at the North East LEP, explains: “The North East has the skills, infrastructure and organisations to position it as a leader in the UK’s drive to net zero. We want to invite all those involved in our regional energy sector to join us at the North East Energy Catalyst Summit to explore how industry, the public sector, academia and governmental bodies can work together to make sure that we maximise on opportunities and drive economic growth in our region.” 

The North East Energy Catalyst already brings together 14 of the region’s energy innovation, demonstration and delivery organisations and now it is opening up membership to SMEs operating in the energy sector.  

David Lynch said: “Industry, universities and government bodies are working together through the North East Energy Catalyst and we’d now like North East SMEs to join the network, creating a unified partnership which is ready to tackle some of the major energy challenges that the world is facing.”  

As well as opening up membership of the Catalyst and exploring opportunities for growth in the energy sector, delegates at the North East Energy Catalyst Summit will hear from investors in the region, including Tom Nightingale from Equinor, on why they chose the North East as a base for their organisation.  

The North East Energy Catalyst Summit will take place online on Tuesday 8 March from 9.30am to 12pm. Tickets are free and can be booked at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/north-east-energy-catalyst-summit-tickets-262524125727  

You can learn more about the North East Energy Catalyst at www.northeastenergycatalyst.co.uk

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National Careers Week 2022 launches in the North East

This year’s National Careers Week will be launched in Newcastle upon Tyne, in recognition of pioneering work carried out in North East England to raise the standard of careers guidance for children and young people. Michelle Rainbow, Skills Director at the North East Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), explains how businesses, schools and colleges have worked together to pilot new ways of delivering careers guidance.

The North East LEP is delighted to be co-hosting the launch of this year’s National Careers Week. This is the first time this event has been held in the North of England and is recognition of the outstanding work of our partners across the region.

This is a fantastic chance for careers leaders, educators and employers to share best practice and knowledge on improving careers guidance. We are honoured to be joined at this year’s launch by representatives from HM Government — an excellent opportunity to show off the incredible work happening in careers guidance across the country.

After last year’s virtual event, we’re very pleased to invite people from across the country to this in-person launch. Attendees will also be able to participate online and this hybrid model has been one of the positive learnings of the last two years. You can book your tickets for the in-person or online versions now.

National Careers Week celebrates the power of careers guidance to change lives. It transforms students’ futures, from better attainment in school to social mobility, with broader horizons and raised aspirations.

Careers guidance is central to our strategic plan at the North East LEP and we are proud of the hard work of our team, developing innovative approaches with schools and colleges.

We also recognise that change takes time. There is no quick fix to establishing the support and opportunities young people need. Improvements are hard-won and incremental over the long term. And we still have a long way to go. So National Careers Week is an invaluable opportunity to learn from challenges and build on achievements.

This year’s theme is “you”. At the launch, our morning sessions will focus on how you — as careers leaders, business leaders, educators and parents — can support young people to make informed choices about their future.

Sessions will cover the importance of understanding the labour market and how careers leaders can integrate this into the curriculum. We will look at ways to build sustainable and meaningful employer engagement with schools and colleges.

There will be a session on opportunity awareness and how to help students understand the full range of pathways open to them and where they lead. And we will also hear from young people about their experiences starting careers and developing skills for today’s economy and for the future.

In the afternoon, everyone is welcome to attend our regional career event and learn more from our schools and business partners.

Each day over the rest of the week we will take up one of these four themes and celebrate achievements here in the North East. Schools and colleges will host events alongside campaigns, videos and articles — offline and on social media.

Everyone is invited to join the conversation using #NCW2022 and you can visit the National Careers Week website to download toolkits to promote your involvement.

The National Careers Week 2022 launch event takes place on Monday 7 March from 9.30am until 12.45pm. Attendees can join via Zoom or in-person at the Crowne Plaza in Newcastle upon Tyne city centre.

More information and tickets are available here.