Discover our sector strengths, learn more about our diverse supply chains and understand why Northumberland is the location of choice for investors across the world.
Offshore Wind & Renewable Energy
Home to the UK’s first offshore wind farm, and the 3rd offshore wind farm created in the world, Northumberland is a county entrenched in the world of renewable energy. Port of Blyth, Northumberland’s deep-water port offers expertise across the whole life cycle of offshore wind, being the construction base for Sofia Offshore Wind Farm, part of Dogger Bank and also having been involved in the decommissioning of the 2x 2MW turbines first installed in Blyth in 2000. Northumberland offers opportunities for offshore wind and renewable sector companies who are looking for large scale development sites for manufacturing, industrial units and office space in a location with over 23 years of experience in offshore wind.
Advanced Manufacturing
Northumberland has a strong history and heritage in the manufacturing sector from shipbuilding on the banks of the River Blyth in the 1800’s to the design and fabrication of major offshore wind assets taking place today. Manufacturing capabilities in the country range from mechanical engineering, through to advanced composite materials to pipeline technology, as well as unique niche products. Home to the world's most sustainable paint factory Akzonobel situated on Ashwood Business Park, EGGER a leading global manufacturer of wood-based materials and the largest manufacturing employer in the county and Tharsus a designer and manufacturer of advanced machines and robots are just some of the businesses who succeed and grow in Northumberland. The county offers a dynamic setting for companies looking for development land or industrial units in a highly connected location.
Electrification
Northumberland and wider North East England is an area steeped in rich industrial history and heritage and examples of some of the most pioneering innovation. Lord William Armstrong, inventor of the first hydro-electric machine, the hydraulic accumulator developed his technology in at Cragside in the heart of Northumberland. A short time later, Joseph Swan asked Armstrong if he could test out his new invention there, the lightbulb. Today the county is the location of one of the UK’s premier gigafactory sites at Northumberland Energy Park, a location with green renewable energy at its core. Northumberland is an electrified county with opportunities for companies who are looking to develop large scale electrification projects or be part of the supply chain.
Rural Economy
Northumberland is a diverse county home to a range of sectors and world leading brands. But did you know 97% of the county is rural? Many major towns not only offer a highly connected location with access to a skilled workforce, but a setting that allows you to reach coast and countryside in minutes, offering rest and relaxation outside of the 9-5. The rural economy in Northumberland is filled with innovative businesses like Hepple Gin who take inspiration from their wild, rural setting using fresh juniper, grown in the remote moors of Northumberland.
Healthcare & Life Sciences
From manufacturing of critical pharmaceuticals to intensive research and development, Northumberland is the destination of choice for businesses such as Organon, Pharmaron, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Pirimal, Quotient Sciences and many more. Cramlington is one of the key cluster locations for health care and life sciences in the county, with excellent connectivity by road, rail and air as well as offering close proximity to the Port of Blyth. The town offers multiple investment opportunities for companies seeking industrial or development land in a pharmaceutical hub with access to a skilled talent pool.
Food & Drink
Home to 2 Michelin Star Restaurants, Northumberland is source of inspiration to the global and unique food and drink producers located throughout the county. Well known brands Coca-Cola, Sweetdreams and Polar Krush operate in south-east Northumberland, taking advantage of the connected road network and access to dedicated workforce. Experience Holy Island Sea Salt, harvested from the waters of Lindisfarne, Sea Buckthorn ice-cream churned at boutique parlours and special blend coffee, roasted in the heart of Northumberland.
Due to its strong rural qualities, Northumberland is the base of grain, cereal and seed producers like Silvery Tweed and Simpsons Malt who are based in Berwick-upon-Tweed, Northumberland’s border town. These businesses provide key ingredients to many of the leading names in the baking, cereals and brewing industries throughout the UK and Europe. Take advantage of opportunities in Northumberland’s established business parks which offer strong connectivity by road, rail, air and sea.
Tourism
Voted the best UK Holiday destination in the 2019 UK Travel Awards, Northumberland offers visitors captivating coastline, wild countryside and dazzling dark skies. Home to Alnwick Castle, famous for being the location of Harry Potter’s quidditch lessons and the set of Downton Abbey, the county is bursting with magical visitor destinations waiting to be discovered. By day explore castles, gardens, zoos and museums before heading to Northumberland International Dark Sky Park for a spot of stargazing. Opportunities for large scale accommodation and visitor attractions await businesses in the tourism sector.
Data Centres
Northumberland is rapidly becoming a hub for data center investment and artificial intelligence (AI) innovation.
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We work with local and international businesses to help them on their journey to investing in Northumberland. Get in touch with the team to discuss the opportunities available to your business.
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