invest north east england

At One North East, we understand the demands of expanding your company’s operation into a new market and offer a range of services to assist you, all free and commercially confidential. Our Investment and Aftercare Team (IAT) provides a single, convenient point of contact for companies and their representatives.

The team has access to an extensive partnership network of support agencies, sector specialists, universities, colleges, local authorities, knowledge networks and business organisations throughout the region.

Team members are familiar with all issues relating to direct investment and can give help and guidance on a wide range of topics, including:

• Advice on availability and costs of locations for business in North East England
• Guidance on the availability of financial assistance and grants
• Assistance with grant applications
• Support for investing in North East England
• Introductions to potential supply chain customers and partners
• Information on staff recruitment and training
• Introductions to knowledge networks and technological expertise
• Identification of R&D in your sector
• Introductions to business professionals, including lawyers, accountants, property agents, business consultants and recruitment agencies

In addition, our bespoke planning service will provide you with a comprehensive market intelligence report which will cover:

• Market Validation – we will help identify opportunities for your company’s future expansion plans, including an analysis of the local supply chain and availability of skills and expertise.
• Property Solutions – we will provide location advice and arrange property viewings.
• Financial Assistance and Grants – we will prepare a bespoke financial assistance package to meet your requirements.
• Skills and Recruitment – we will provide current labour and salary information, advice on employment grants, and access to recruitment services.
• Professional Services and Networks – we will advise you about intermediaries, who can help facilitate your expansion, and about the availability of venture finance and private investment opportunities.

Ongoing Support

The Strategic Account Management (SAM) Programme provides strategic business support for the ‘Top 500’ regional businesses and support of foreign owned business. This top slice of companies has been separated from Business Link North East (BLNE) engagement and the lead relationship retained by One North East. It is delivered across the region by a network of SAM managers. These include sub-regional partners, several local authorities and One North East teams - the Business Investment and Innovation and Business Development teams. 

The objectives of the strategic account management system are pro-active information management on regional companies and their HQs; Co-ordination and management of contact with regional companies; Managed co-ordinated response to closure/redundancy situations; Project management and Key Account Management.