NewcastleGateshead Initiative marks 25 years of impact and the start of new chapter

On (25 March 2026) destination and inward investment agency NewcastleGateshead Initiative gathered more than 100 partners and stakeholders at Tyneside Cinema, to celebrate 25 years of impact and the start of a new regional remit for the organisation.

The event showcased 25 years of history, collective impact and memories as NewcastleGateshead Initiative evolve into a regional organisation, delivering North East Mayor Kim McGuinness’ ambition to double the value of the visitor economy.

Earlier this month, The Mayor and the North East Combined Authority’s cabinet approved £7million in new funding to support this work. It will build on the legacy of NewcastleGateshead Initiative with new objectives and a wider regional remit that will inspire and attract visitors to the North East of England by delivering innovative international marketing campaigns and by developing unforgettable experiences.

Part of this event was a General Meeting to agree statutory changes to the company’s name and to appoint a new director.  This decision was formally approved and endorsed, with a unanimous vote from partners to change NewcastleGateshead Initiative’s name to Experience North East England and to appoint Nick Jones, Chief Executive at Newcastle International Airport to the corporate board.

As well as a wider regional remit for the visitor economy, Experience North East England will continue to work with Newcastle City Council and Gateshead Council on their economic ambitions – building on the past 25 years and delivering place marketing for the visitor economy as the Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP) and investment promotional activities for Invest Newcastle. NewcastleGateshead Initiative has worked with thousands of private sector partners over the past 25 years to make a positive social impact and they will continue to deliver for Newcastle and Gateshead Council and their private sector partnership under Experience North East England.

Experience North East England will promote the visitor economy offer for the whole region, attracting new visitors from around the world, creating new jobs and opportunities for local people and helping businesses across the region grow.

NewcastleGateshead Initiative’s current Chair John Marshall stepped down as a director after three terms alongside Bill McLeod who also leaves the board after six years of service. Dr Henry Kippin, Chief Executive of the North East Combined Authority has stepped in as Interim Chair prior to a full recruitment process for an Independent Chair later in the year.

The formal General Meeting was followed by a celebration of achievements over the past twenty-five years. Impact and milestones shared include supporting more than 300 new businesses to relocate or expand in the city, helping to create and safeguard 16,200 jobs, promoting Newcastle and Gateshead domestically and internationally to help attract 161 million visitors, securing £2.25m from DCMS to lead the first ever Destination Development Partnership in England and attracting almost 2,500 conferences and events to Newcastle and Gateshead.

John Marshall said:

“It has been a pleasure to mark an incredible 25 years of championing our region and driving growth across Newcastle and Gateshead. Today was an opportunity to pause and reflect on what has been achieved and to recognise the collective impact of our work – this would not have been possible without our private sector partners.”

“NewcastleGateshead Initiative is entering an exciting new chapter delivering for the visitor economy on a regional level and with a brand-new name, alongside existing activities for Newcastle and Gateshead. This builds on a huge legacy and capability as the first regional Destination Development Partnership in the UK. I could not be prouder of what the NGI team has achieved. While I have stepped down as Chair, I will always have a keen and passionate interest in our region and its growth.

“The team at NewcastleGateshead Initiative are talented, creative, collaborative and so passionate about making a difference – I couldn’t be more confident of their success and for the future of our visitor economy.”

Experience North East England will deliver at a regional level, strategically positioning the region as a place to visit and enjoy, working in partnership with regional stakeholders on domestic and international marketing, product development and strategic event management.

Dr Henry Kippin, Chief Executive of the North East Combined Authority and Interim Chair of Experience North East England said:

“We aim to double the value of the visitor economy in our region creating thousands of jobs as we do so, and we are backing that ambition through £7m of new investment.

“We have made the visitor economy a key part of our Local Growth Plan and that reflects the scale of the opportunity we have from vibrant multi-cultural cities and unique historic sites to our spectacular wild countryside and coastlines. Experience North East England will be key to delivering on our plans by building on the legacy of NewcastleGateshead Initiative with an expanded remit to market the whole region through its unique local offers and attractions.”

Pam Smith, Chief Executive, Newcastle City Council added:  

“I could not have been prouder to be part of this event today, reflecting on the brilliant work undertaken by the NGI team and looking towards a future organisation that will operate on a both a regional and city level. As part of Experience North East England, Newcastle and Gateshead Council look forward to working with our dedicated private sector partners to position and promote our city as a global destination for investment and as a place to visit.

“We have an exciting story to tell as one of the UK’s core cities, brimming with energy. creativity, talent, and regeneration projects that are shaping a new narrative. From the Mercury Prize to Euro 28 all eyes are on us, and we look forward to making the most of every opportunity together with Experience North East England and the private sector.”

From 01 April 2026 the organisation will expand its remit, and their new brand and identity will be launched early summer.

Press shot image caption: L-R – Ian Thomas MBE, Chief Operating Officer, NGI, John Marshall, Outgoing Chair, NGI, Dr Sarah Green OBE, Chief Executive, NGI, Dr Henry Kippin, Chief Executive, North East Combined Authority, Pam Smith, Chief Executive, Newcastle City Council, Mark Thompson, Director, Ryder Newcastle and NGI Board Member, Dale Owens, Chief Executive, Gateshead Council, Bill MacLeod, Board Member, NGI.