Source: Combined Authorities (England)
Author: Place North East
Date published: 2026-03-06
[original article can be accessed via hyperlink at the end]
North East England is a region built on invention, industry and opportunity, writes Michelle Duggan of North East Combined Authority.
In 2026, this region has a blend that is creating one of the most compelling investment stories in the UK. From clean energy and advanced manufacturing to digital, AI and the creative industries, the North East offers a powerful combination of strategic sites, specialist assets, talent and collaboration.
Our track record on investment reflects that strength. Last year we launched an investment prospectus with opportunities totalling over £4.4bn, comprising industrial, commercial and residential sites adding up to more than 18bn sq ft.
Recent analysis also demonstrates the attractiveness of the North East to overseas investors, with the region regularly achieving the highest number of foreign direct investment jobs per capita of any UK region outside London. This trajectory gives investors confidence, but it’s the projects coming forward in 2026, and the partnerships behind them, that demonstrate why the North East deserves its place on the global investment map.
Clean energy: powering national transition and global competitiveness
The North East is central to the UK’s clean energy future. At the forefront is Dogger Bank Wind Farm, the world’s largest offshore wind project. Once complete, it will generate 3.6GW of power, enough to supply 6 million homes and deliver £6.1bn to the UK economy, supporting over 70,000 FTE years of work nationwide and 28,120 FTE years in the North East and North Yorkshire.
That impact is matched onshore. The region has identified £3bn of external investment potential in offshore wind supply chains and supporting infrastructure. The Port of Tyne’s £150m Tyne Clean Energy Park proposal alone has the potential to create 12,000 jobs, anchoring major renewables activity in the region and expanding capacity for manufacturing, assembly, maintenance and deepwater operations.
For investors looking to participate across the energy value chain, the North East offers scale, capability and global reach.
Advanced manufacturing: a resilient and expanding industrial base
The North East continues to outperform national trends in advanced manufacturing, and it has the sites and infrastructure to power growth in industries central to UK ambitions including; electrification and battery technologies, automotive innovation, advanced materials and engineering and space and defence manufacturing.
North East Investment Zone sites will unlock growth, delivering serviced sites, incentives, skills programmes and enabling infrastructure across four major locations. For investors seeking certainty and pace, the zone offers an aligned regional approach to delivery.
Digital AI and data: building the UK’s next technology supercluster
Digital investment also continues to surge as we develop the UK’s first AI Growth Zone, a government-backed £30bn programme that will accelerate sovereign AI capability and unlock adoption and innovation across the region’s economy. The North East’s offer is especially strong for data-intensive and AI-enabled industries thanks to a unique combination of access to renewable energy, natural cooling advantages for data centres and world-class academic capability across AI, computing, visualisation and cyber.
Creative and thriving cities: £2bn+ development pipeline
Alongside its industrial base, the region is reshaping its urban centres through significant regeneration and cultural investment. Major development zones include the Durham Innovation District and the £2bn Mayoral Development Zone in Newcastle Gateshead. Plus, projects such as Crown Works Studios signal growing ambition in film, television, gaming and immersive technology. These investments are not simply cultural assets; they are economic infrastructure, attracting talent, diversifying the economy and reinforcing the North East’s outward-looking identity.
A newly announced £22m housing programme will unlock more than 1,100 homes on brownfield and stalled sites, while a £1.85bn transport settlement will deliver the first Metro expansion in over 30 years, alongside wider connectivity improvements. Together, these commitments reinforce both the scale of public backing and the region’s capacity to support sustainable growth.
The opportunity is here
If you’d like to explore opportunities or arrange a visit, please connect with us at MIPIM or get in touch with the Invest North East England team.
- Michelle Duggan is head of inward investment for North East Combined Authority
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