Attracting £2.25m funding for tourism and attracting and supporting thousands of jobs
Destination and inward investment agency, NewcastleGateshead Initiative (NGI) has published a report that demonstrates the social and economic impact they have delivered in 2022/23 together with their partners.
More than 120 public and private sector partners work with NGI on projects, initiatives, and campaigns that drive investment, attract visitors, and create a more sustainable and inclusive economy for all. Tackling key challenges such as climate change and skills development, partners support them to profile Newcastle, Gateshead, and the wider region on a national and international stage.
Highlights from the report include being awarded £2.25 million from DCMS to lead the first-ever regional tourism pilot in England, recruiting 30 new partners, supporting 12,647 jobs across the visitor economy, 33 new businesses landing in the city and gaining first place in fDi’s Mid-Sized European Cities of the Future 2023. This success was supported by Newcastle and Gateshead’s £149 million business events sector which secured 123 business events and generated over £1 million worth of new enquiries over the past 12 months.
Businesses landing in Newcastle and Gateshead included defence and security firm Leonardo who brought 200 jobs to Newcastle and international games developer Creative Assembly. In total, 1,350 new jobs were created and safeguarded through inward investment activity delivered by Invest Newcastle, who promote sector strengths nationally and internationally to secure investment and create jobs. Collective efforts have resulted in the North East topping the list for FDi job creation, by the Department of Business and Trade.
The report was launched at an exclusive event with their partners who came together to celebrate the impact they have delivered together in 2022/23.
More than 120 public and private sector partners and supporters, ranging from law firms and sports clubs to hotels and restaurants, attended the event at One Strawberry Lane.
City leaders, Cllr Nick Kemp and Cllr Martin Gannon reflected on the past year and shared their ambitions for the future of Newcastle and Gateshead before attendees heard from NGI Chief Executive, Sarah Green in conversation with Newcastle United’s Chief Commercial Officer, Peter Silverstone. Together they discussed how the private sector can maximise the opportunities the UEFA Champions League matches at St James’ Park offer the city in the next year.
John Marshall, Chair, NGI, said: “Our partners are an extension of NGI’s team, working together to drive new innovations, ideas and projects that deliver for our people and communities. This has been a year of transformational investment and opportunity with a national and international spotlight on Newcastle and Gateshead as a place to visit, work, invest and enjoy.
“Every single one of our projects is dedicated to making a social and economic impact and as we move forward, by working together we will be a force for good, creating jobs, developing skills, and creating a more sustainable and inclusive economy for all.”
Cllr Nick Kemp, Leader, Newcastle City Council, said: “Newcastle has a compelling offer for visitor and investors alike and these figures reinforce the strength of our position as a place to invest, visit, work and live well.
“As a city council, we’re committed to delivering equitable economic outcomes and opportunities for our people, regardless of where they come from, where they live or what they do for work. Working together with the public and private sector to ensure we are levelling the playing field and embedding diversity and inclusion is imperative to drive inclusive economic growth and innovation.
“This is just the start of a stronger, more diverse and inclusive Newcastle and Gateshead.”
Cllr Martin Gannon, Leader, Gateshead Council, said: “Collaboration in Newcastle and Gateshead is powerful, and I am pleased that this report reflects the positive impact the public and private sector have had in creating jobs and attracting investment over the past year. The future of Gateshead is bright, and we look forward to maximising this together with Newcastle and NGI.”
Sarah Green, Chief Executive, NGI, said: “This year has been particularly significant as the first full year without restrictions and having focused on economic recovery, supporting businesses, and shining a light on the brilliant opportunities here in in our region. I am so proud of the national and international recognition, the thousands of jobs that have be supported and created and most importantly the role NGI and our partners have played in building more inclusive economy that will creates opportunity for all.
“With a £4.2bn devolution deal, there has never been a more opportune time to further highlight the growth and investment potential here in the North East and we look forward to playing our part in creating a better place for everyone that calls Newcastle, Gateshead and the wider region home.”
NGI’s full Impact Report for 2022/23 is available here.