As we look ahead to developing a bold new Economic Strategy for Northumberland, it feels more important than ever to reflect on the extraordinary progress we’ve made over the last year. 2025 has been transformative for our county, a period defined by unprecedented investment, community resilience, innovation, and deep-rooted collaboration.
Northumberland has always had ambition. But this year, that ambition took shape in ways that will influence our economy, our communities, and our identity for decades to come.
Unleashing the power of data
In September, the North East was designated by the Government as the UK’s first AI Growth Zone. This recognition builds on the data centre investment into Northumberland from QTS and the existing data centre hub at Cobalt Park in North Tyneside. The AI Growth Zone will create jobs, drive economic growth, develop our digital ecosystem and support vital breakthroughs in key sectors such as health and life sciences and energy by giving researchers access to the power of AI.
To further support development of the sector, a taskforce has been launched to drive AI jobs growth. Northumberland County Council is part of this taskforce along with business leaders, industry experts, Universities and skills providers; the aim is clear, we want to capitalise on this AI-driven future and create the jobs of tomorrow.
One of the most notable milestones was the enablement ceremony for the £10 billion Blackstone QTS Cambois Data Centre Campus - one of the largest investments of its kind in Europe. This project will create thousands of construction roles, high-value long-term jobs, and attract additional investment to the region.
Launched as enabling works began, was the powerful and ambitious Social Value Programme from QTS; this strategy will support the local supply chain, community partnerships, small businesses, sustainability projects and the development of apprenticeships, internships and gradate roles. The site of the Data Centre Campus tells an important story; our role in supporting growth and economic prowess, from a past of driving industry through coal to the future where we are powering new industry through investment, innovation and data.
For Northumberland, this is more than an economic win; it cements our position as a national leader in digital infrastructure and technological innovation.
Pioneers in offshore wind
Momentum in the energy sector also continued to grow. The launch of the Energy Central Learning Hub in Blyth, a state-of-the-art skills and training facility, marked a significant step forward in equipping our workforce for careers in renewable energy, engineering and advanced manufacturing. This is the first stage of the Energy Central Campus, with planning permission now secured for the Energy Central Institute, to deliver higher education, research, and innovation in the heart of Blyth.
Complimented with investment in new R&D assets at Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult: the opening of the Technology Development Centre (TDC) which supports adoption of new technologies in the offshore and renewables sector and the announcement of investment in a new offshore wind cable testing rig which is due to open next year.
2025 has been a significant milestone for the sector as we celebrated 25 years since the UK’s first offshore wind farm was built in Blyth, this anniversary reinforces the message that we are pioneers in offshore wind; inspiring change, nurturing innovation and growing from strength to strength. The future is green and we look forward to what 2026 will bring to Energy Central, our offshore wind cluster here in Northumberland.
Together, these developments and celebrations reinforce what we’ve known for some time: Northumberland is playing a central role in the UK’s energy transition.
Nurturing business growth
Supporting new and growing businesses is at the core of what we do. This year the Northumberland Small Business Service (NSBS) programme once again demonstrated its enormous value to our communities:
Delivered 139 workshops, events and business festivals
Welcomed hundreds of business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs
Registered 606 businesses to access tailored growth advice and support across the County
Delivered more than 1,667 hours of support
Awarded over £138,328 in Enterprise Grants helping removing barriers to residents setting up businesses across Northumberland
Distributed £1.2 million in Capital Grants to support the growth of rural businesses
This support has helped businesses expand their premises, invest in new equipment, and create jobs across the County. Companies such as Open Works Engineering, Northumberland Logs, Red Engineering and Brocksbushes were among those able to take important growth steps thanks to support from the NSBS.
A standout moment was the Northumberland Enterprise Festival, which brought together more than 85 entrepreneurial residents across 3 different locations ready to explore new business ideas. The energy, creativity, and optimism on display reflected the entrepreneurial spirit that makes Northumberland such a special place to start and grow a business.
Powering communities
Investment this year has reached every corner of the county. Our teams supported and enabled community groups and businesses to deliver new services, grow their operations, and strengthen local resilience.
Through the Northumberland Inclusive Economy Partnership, place-based funding supported vital community projects, particularly in towns like Ashington where a Newcastle United Foundation hub at the Hirst Welfare Centre has provided volunteering opportunities, training, and routes to employment for young adults. Nearly £1.8 million supported 44 diverse projects delivered by a wide range of organisations from newly-formed community groups to established charities. Alongside this, Business Northumberland’s Strategic Accountment Management team supported companies such as Osbit and Clifton Engineering, helping unlock investment and stimulate local economic activity and job creation.
We celebrated hitting over 500,000 passenger journeys for the Northumberland Line demonstrating the impact of reconnecting Ashington, Blyth and the surrounding communities to Newcastle. In early 2026 we expect to hit the millionth passenger mark. This is more than a transport milestone, it is an investment in opportunity, connectivity, and the future of South East Northumberland. We end the year with our cups full of festive cheer, Sunday rail services on the Northumberland Line to the metro centre, and a new trophy for our cabinet as Ashington Railway Station took the crown as ‘World Cup of Stations’ award winner.
But perhaps most importantly, our work has centred on people. Our Work Smart Live Well programme expanded into new areas of the County including Ashington, Blyth, Hadston, Prudhoe, and Berwick, supporting residents to balance work, health and personal goals. We provided leadership and rapid response support to employees impacted by business closure – working with partners including DWP, Job Centre Plus, Department for Education, NECA, Northumberland College & Northumberland Skills to find new employment or to access support. We launched new networking groups, including women-focused networks, and delivered focused place-based initiatives such as Accelerate Ashington.
We ended the year with a mouthwatering experience as we launched the Taste of Northumberland programme, celebrating our county’s incredible food and drink heritage, amazing producers and local food heroes. From Craster kippers and singin’ hinnies to Earl Grey tea, Lindisfarne Mead, and whole lot in-between. A Northumbrian Christmas feast is one that we definitely want an invite to!
Laying the Foundations for the Future
During 2025 we embarked on the development of the new 10-year Northumberland Economic Strategy, working with the business community, and wider stakeholders to understand fully our economy, the opportunities and assets we posses, of which there are many, and how we best harness these strengths and capabilities. We have also continued to refine the Growth Endowment and Investment Fund, which will mobilise up to £110 million in investment across Northumberland in support of the Economic Strategy; this transformative investment could result in the creation of over 5,500 jobs in Northumberland over 20 years and generate over £860 million in the local economy. Working with businesses and key stakeholders we are listening and learning; the Economic Strategy is packed with ambition and powered by our passion to see Northumberland continue to grow and evolve. Work will continue on this as we add the finishing touches, with a plan to launch it in the spring.
Looking ahead into 2026, we’re preparing for major developments including the opening of the JDR Cable Systems Subsea Manufacturing facility, progress on enablement works at the QTS Data Centre Campus in Cambois and the continuation of rural business support across the county.
We’re delighted that the North East Combined Authority have approved the North East Rural Growth Programme – a £8.5 million investment, launching next year, which will stimulate growth in rural areas of Northumberland, Durham and Gateshead through 121 business support, technical specialist advice, start up support and an Agritech Investment Fund for land-based industries looking to adopt new technology.
As part of this new rural growth programme, the food and drink sector will be supported with an aim of strengthening our regional food economy and building on Taste of Northumberland; we’re home to spectacular producers and taste creators here in the North East and it’s time for them to shine.
A Final Reflection: Our Success Is Built on People
When I look back on 2025, the achievements are remarkable. But what truly stands out are the people behind them.
The entrepreneurs who turned ideas into action.
The businesses who invested in growth against the odds.
The community groups creating change in their towns and villages.
The residents rebuilding confidence, skills, and opportunity.
And the partners across local & national government, academia and industry who work with us to deliver for Northumberland.
Their resilience, determination, and creativity are what make Northumberland extraordinary.
As we move into the next chapter with new strategies, new investments, and new opportunities, I am immensely proud of what we’ve accomplished together. Northumberland is not only a place of natural beauty; it is a county defined by ambition, innovation, and community spirit.
The path forward is both ambitious and exciting and the foundations we laid this year will shape the county’s prosperity for decades.
For more information on support available, please visit the Business Northumberland website or get in touch with the team today.
Sarah McMillan, Director of Economic Development, Northumberland County Council