The North East Strategic Economic Plan: Creating 100,000 more and better jobs for the North East economy

Our Strategic Economic Plan

The North East Strategic Economic Plan is our plan to grow and develop the region’s economy. It is an evidence-based response to our long-term economic challenges and opportunities that were identified by the North East Independent Economic Review in 2013.

The Strategic Economic Plan was initially published in 2014, for a ten-year period and demonstrated how we would drive forward a modern, diverse and entrepreneurial economy that was agile in the face of change and that will deliver economic benefit to residents and businesses across every part of the region. The Plan has been refreshed and updated as our economy and the environment in which we operate has changed and our economic base has developed.

Our Plan is a shared plan – we’ve worked with partners from across the region-  there is a shared commitment that the more and better jobs created should deliver a more productive, competitive, resilient and inclusive economy for all.

A strategy based on evidence

We are committed to up to date economic analysis, evaluation and evidence development giving us confidence that the strategy we have set and the programmes of delivery we have put in place are addressing the North East’s needs and opportunities.

Our Economy is our annual update on the current performance of the North East economy and how it is changing over time.  You can read Our Economy here.

The North East Evidence Hub is an online platform designed to bring together all of the key data about the North East and to provide tools to help residents, businesses, education establishments and policy makers to make use of the data available in a simple way. You can visit the North East Evidence Hub here.

To measure progress of the Plan, we have set six targets. You can look at the targets here.

Five programmes of delivery

That set out initiatives and projects that will deliver the ambitions of this Plan

Business Growth

Our ambition for the North East is to be an entrepreneurial, growth orientated, dynamic and productive environment where businesses start up, grow, invest, and thrive.

Innovation

Innovation is central to our long-term aim to build a more productive region, fostering a competitive and embedded business base and solving social and economic challenges.

Skills, Employment, Inclusion and Progression

Our ambition is that all individuals in the North East have a good understanding of the employment opportunities available and how to access these and that employers have strong links with education and training providers, helping to ensure that provision meets local needs. We will work to ensure that all partners understand the importance of skills in improving productivity, social mobility and living standards.

Transport and Connectivity

In March 2021 the North East Transport Plan was published setting out our vision of ‘moving to a green, healthy, dynamic and thriving North East.’

Investment and Infrastructure

Through focussed and coordinated investment we will address market failures and competitive weaknesses. We will work with partners to quicken the pace and scale of investment across the North East, focusing on our business and infrastructure investment opportunities and needs. Opportunities for job and productivity growth on strategic employment sites, in town and city centres, along strategic transport corridors, in our culture and tourist hubs, and in the rural economy will be prioritised

Read more about our five programmes of delivery here.

Four key sectors of strategic importance

Where evidence tells us our assets and capabilities provide a strong opportunity for growth

Advanced Manufacturing

Our ambition is to nurture a globally focused, competitive and integrated cluster, driving productivity by innovating in high level engineering; from design to manufacturing and from the application of knowledge and innovation assets.

Digital

The North East is a global hotbed of tech product innovation where:

  • There is a vibrant startup scene
  • Tech businesses are a magnet for venture capitalist investment and talent
  • Businesses have grown to global significance
  • The North East is a critical engine for tech talent creation nationally
  • Businesses from across the globe are choosing to locate in the North East.

Energy

Our aim is to deliver on national energy policy, while driving growth in the North East.

  • We will invest in our offshore renewables and sub sea industries.
  • We will deliver on national and regional decarbonisation goals through unique North East energy projects
  • And make the North East the go-to place to develop and showcase new energy solutions that change the world.

Health and Life Sciences

We want to position the North East as a UK leader in developing, testing and adopting patient centred treatments, and the manufacture of medicines and therapeutics at a time of demographic change.

Read more about our key sectors here.

Four service sectors

That support the wider economy and offer significant opportunity for more and better jobs in the North East

Construction

Construction is a key part of the economy, a driver of jobs and growth. The quality of our buildings, whether that be schools, offices, hospitals or housing, has a lasting impact on the wellbeing of businesses and communities across the region.

Education

Education is important to our economy. Those working in the sector educate young people and adult learners, giving them the skills and knowledge they need to secure employment and build careers. The jobs they do contribute to all areas of our economy.

Financial Professional and Business Services

These sub sectors attract considerable investment and deliver high levels of exports – making a significant contribution to the increase in services exports. Areas like financial technology, telecommunications, engineering and management consulting and professional services represent a considerable opportunity for the region, that we have been nurturing through investment in property, connectivity, data centres and skills systems. By positioning business services as a fifth area of strategic importance, we will develop an approach with partners to continue to grow the sector with a particular focus on the most productive and higher value employment opportunities.

Transport and Logistics

The North East’s transport and logistics infrastructure provides the foundations for our economic activity, trade and tourism.

Get in touch today
Chief Executive
Helen has been with the North East LEP since 2012, and the Chief Executive Officer since 2015. As the senior executive at the LEP, Helen leads the delivery of the North East Strategic Economic Plan, working with partners to grow the local economy. Her previous experience includes over twenty years in a number of local… Read more »