Today (Tuesday 20th May 2025) North East England’s Mayor Kim McGuinness has unveiled £14 billion of investment opportunities with the launch of the first North East Investment Prospectus. 

The prospectus details a portfolio of investment opportunities across the region aimed at attracting developers from across the globe, showcasing North East England’s credentials in offshore and energy, advanced manufacturing, creative industries, life sciences, digital, defence and space. 

It also brings together detailed insight into 23 industrial, commercial and residential development sites adding up to more than 18 million square feet and £4.4 billion of investment opportunity. 

Seven local authorities have worked with the North East Combined Authority and consultants Arup to identify the key sites ahead of today’s launch on the North East Pavilion, where Mayor Kim McGuinness officially launched the prospectus. It encompasses a region of 2.2 million people, centred on the cities of Newcastle, Sunderland and Durham.

North East Mayor Kim McGuinness said: 

“We’ve brought North East England together for the first time at UK REiiF to profile the new energy in our region and the unique offer we can make to investors.

“We have created a £4.4 billion portfolio of prime development opportunities in our first Investment Prospectus building on our world-class credentials in advanced manufacturing, life sciences, the creative industries and clean energy. That is just the heart of £14 billion of opportunity that runs through our fast-growing cities and exploits our unique location with three major ports on the North Sea coast.”

“As the first North East Mayor I am truly excited to be driving investment on a scale never seen before to create growth, jobs and opportunity for all. We are building new infrastructure, growing skills and working closely with our Local Authorities to unlock the huge potential we have in these sites.”

Councillor Michael Mordey, leader of Sunderland City Council and portfolio holder for investment at the North East Combined Authority, said: 

“Our region has much to offer to investors – you only have to look at the huge transformation underway in Sunderland and across the North East to know that it is a safe bet.  So, it is fantastic to be flying the flag for the region at UKREiiF and ensuring that the market is well aware of the opportunities available.”

John McCabe, Chief Executive of North East Chamber of Commerce and Chair of the North East Combined Authority Business and Economy board, said: 

“I believe the North East Investment Prospectus will unlock new opportunities, attract significant funding and help ensure prosperity reaches all corners of our region.  

“We will work closely with business to create the conditions for investment – supporting innovation clusters, boosting trade and ensuring local firms are connected into key regional infrastructure and regeneration projects. 

“This is about ensuring economic growth translates into real opportunities for individuals, families and communities. It is a plan to invest in skills, infrastructure and innovation so the North East is not only competitive but enjoys sustainable growth.

“This vision has been created in the North East, launched in the North and from today, it will be shared with the world.”

Sandra Manson, Executive Director for Planning at Pegasus Group and Chair of Developing Consensus said: 

“It is extremely exciting to see the scale of opportunity that there is across North East England and the new energy as we move forward collectively with business, local authorities and the Combined Authority working together.  This really feels like a once in a generation moment with the scale of change and opportunity there is, so it’s thrilling to be part of that.”

Ben Turner, Senior Economist, Arup said: 

“This prospectus demonstrates that the North East is primed to support significant economic growth through several sectors that are critical to the delivery of the UK Government’s modern industrial strategy.

“It identifies major investment-ready sites that will support advanced manufacturing, life sciences, strategic city-centre placemaking projects, and a unique offering for offshore wind and maritime developments.

“It reflects the shared commitment among the North East Combined Authority and its partners to unlocking inclusive, sustainable economic growth and attracting global investment.”

Alongside individual development sites the Investment Prospectus profiles the North East Investment Zone, where the North East Combined Authority is providing £160 million to support private sector investment and create 4,000 jobs over the next decade.

The prospectus also includes information on the region’s three major ports and airport, and the Leamside Growth Corridor which harnesses the potential from reopening a major strategic rail route improving links between North East England and major cities across the UK.

This is the first time the North East Mayor and all seven local authorities have joined forces at UKREiiF, with a unified approach to promoting investment opportunities across every part of the region. 

Highlighting the region’s collaborative spirit, a 100-strong private and public sector delegation have come together at UK REiiF to champion opportunities and sector strengths to thousands of investors.

You can access and view the prospectus here: https://investnee.co.uk/