A conversation with Sarah McMillan, Director of Economic Development and Growth at Northumberland County Council
Freshly launched at UKREiiF 2026, the Northumberland Strategic Investment Site (N-SIS) is already generating strong interest from inward investors seeking scale, connectivity, and access to the UK’s fast-growing clean energy and digital economy. Positioned alongside the emerging North East AI Growth Zone and North East Investment Zone, the site offers a unique opportunity at the intersection of advanced manufacturing, clean energy, and AI-driven innovation.
We caught up with Sarah McMillan, Director of Economic Development and Growth at Northumberland County Council to explore what makes the site so distinctive, and why more businesses are choosing Northumberland as a place to invest, innovate and grow.
So, Sarah what exactly is N‑SIS, and why are people talking about it?
N‑SIS is a really exciting opportunity for investors. It’s a 77-hectare strategic development site that can deliver over 3.25 million sq ft of industrial and manufacturing space.
What’s driving interest is the combination of scale, location, and the surrounding ecosystem. We’re right in the heart of a fast-growing clean energy and advanced manufacturing cluster, and that’s incredibly appealing for businesses looking to futureproof their operations.
Investors are recognising that this isn’t just a site, it’s an opportunity to be part of something much bigger.
Location is always key; where is N‑SIS and how well connected is it?
Connectivity is one of our strongest advantages. The site is located in South East Northumberland, just minutes from the Port of Blyth, which is a major gateway for global trade and offshore energy.
In practical terms, businesses here benefit from:
Strong road links to regional and national networks
Rail connections, including freight and passenger links
Easy access to Newcastle International Airport
Immediate proximity to a deep-water port
Access to scalable power to drive industrial growth
That level of connectivity makes it easy for companies to operate at both a UK-wide and international level, which is exactly what modern investors are looking for.
What kinds of businesses do you see thriving at N‑SIS?
At UKREiiF we had some really engaging conversations with investors from a range of sectors and there’s a clear alignment with:
Renewable and clean energy
Advanced manufacturing
AI and emerging technologies
Offshore wind and floating offshore supply chain
Because we’re part of Energy Central, Northumberland’s established renewable energy cluster, businesses here can plug straight into an existing network of expertise, suppliers, and innovation.
What would you say really sets N‑SIS apart from other sites in the UK?
There are a few things that come together to make N‑SIS genuinely unique.
First, there’s the scale and flexibility. We can accommodate anything from 10,900 sq ft units right up to 670,300 sq ft, and we can combine plots for much larger requirements. That flexibility is incredibly important, especially for international investors with specific needs.
Second, we’re surrounded by major, real-world investment. For example:
JDR Cable Systems has a state-of-the-art subsea cable manufacturing facility at neighbouring Northumberland Energy Park
The North Sea Link Interconnector connects the UK and Norway - an amazing piece of infrastructure enabling us to share renewable energy, improve supply security, and facilitate power trading.
We’re adjacent to the North East AI Growth Zone as designated by UK Government - launched in late 2025 across the Blyth site and Cobalt Park the zone aims to establish a leading AI and data centre hub, creating over 5,000 jobs and attracting up to £30 billion in private investment.
The £10bn Blackstone QTS Cambois data centre campus project is located adjacent to N-SIS – the project has just applied to update its planning permission to accelerate development of the site.
The site is adjacent to the North East Investment Zone which focusses on accelerating growth across clean energy and green manufacturing sectors which closely aligns with Northumberland's key sectors, as outlined in our new economic strategy. The IZ site offers quay-linked land opportunities in an area synonymous with offshore wind.
That gives investors real confidence, they can see the momentum in Northumberland with projects moving forward at pace around them.
And finally, there’s our energy and digital infrastructure, which is critical for the kinds of businesses we’re looking to attract.
You mentioned clean energy, how important is that to the site?
It’s central to everything we’re doing. From coalfields to datafields, from coal to cables, this pocket of south-east Northumberland is all about the energy transition and our green evolution.
At the heart of this transformation is Energy Central, Northumberland’s offshore wind cluster built around the Port of Blyth, where industry, innovation and investment are shaping the future of clean energy. With more than 25 years of offshore wind experience, the port has supported the full lifecycle of wind farms, from cable mobilisation and construction through to operations, maintenance and decommissioning. Its specialist cable handling expertise has helped deliver major projects including Sofia Offshore Wind Farm and Seagreen Wind Farm.
Alongside the pioneering work of Energy Central Campus, the Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult and major investment at Cambois Dock, the region is creating a powerful ecosystem for renewable energy growth, skills and global investment.
For companies in clean energy, or those looking to decarbonise, this creates a really compelling environment. You’re not starting from scratch; you’re joining an established, growing ecosystem.
How flexible is the site for investors with specific requirements?
Very flexible. We have an outline masterplan in place, but we’re not rigid. We work closely with investors to shape solutions that meet their operational needs, whether that’s:
Combining plots
Designing bespoke facilities
Delivering large-scale campus-style developments
We understand that every investor is different, and we’re set up to respond to that.
What role does Northumberland County Council play in supporting investors?
Through Business Northumberland, we work closely with investors from day one, providing a dedicated, hands-on service to help navigate planning, infrastructure and delivery. It’s about building strong, long-term relationships and ensuring businesses feel supported at every stage of their journey. Collaboration is central to our approach, building on successful partnerships with investors such as Blackstone QTS, we act as both site owners and the local authority to help unlock opportunities and turn investment into reality.
We’re also keen to talk to investors about the Northumberland Growth Fund, which plays a key role in supporting business investment and expansion across the county. The fund offers targeted capital funding to help companies grow, innovate and create jobs, supporting investment in equipment, premises and new technologies. Available to both local businesses and inward investors, and with a strong focus on sectors such as manufacturing, energy and innovation-led industries, it provides a practical and flexible way to reduce investment costs while reinforcing Northumberland’s ambition to build a resilient, future-focused economy.
Why should a business choose Northumberland more broadly?
There’s so much to experience in Northumberland that it’s hard to capture it in just a few words! From the dramatic coastline of the Northumberland Coast National Landscape and the iconic UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hadrian’s Wall, to the UK’s largest International Dark Sky Park, our county offers truly unique, world-class experiences, that are out of this world - and that’s just beyond the 9–5!
Northumberland is more than a great place to visit, it’s a place to grow, invest and succeed. With deep roots in industry and engineering, we’ve been shaped by pioneers like George Stephenson, the ‘Father of Railways’, and innovator William Armstrong.
Today, that legacy continues with:
A highly skilled workforce across engineering, manufacturing and energy
Competitive operating costs compared to other UK locations
A strong commitment to innovation and clean growth
An exceptional quality of life that helps attract and retain talent
And above all, a shared ambition – we’re actively shaping a future-focused, resilient economy
Northumberland is a place where heritage meets opportunity, and where businesses can thrive.
Finally, what’s your long-term vision for N‑SIS?
We want N‑SIS to become an international flagship destination for industrial innovation, clean energy, digital and AI, and advanced manufacturing in the UK.
It’s about creating high-quality jobs, attracting global investment, and playing a meaningful role in the UK’s journey to net zero.
It’s about creating a place where businesses feel they can grow, innovate, and be part of something exciting.
How can investors start a conversation?
We welcome conversations with investors at every stage, whether you’re considering Northumberland for the first time, looking to expand your global footprint, or ready to begin your journey in a destination driven by innovation and ambition.
Whether you’re just exploring options or have specific requirements in mind, Business Northumberland, the business support team for Northumberland County Council is here to help. N‑SIS is a rare opportunity to secure a large-scale, well-connected site in a thriving clean energy and digital & AI cluster and we’re ready to work with businesses to make that opportunity a reality.
Bringing it all together
For investors seeking large-scale industrial opportunities in the UK, the Northumberland Strategic Investment Site presents a compelling and distinctive proposition.
Strategically located with access to renewable energy, adjacent to the North East AI Growth Zone and North East Investment Zone, and supported by advanced manufacturing expertise and global connectivity, N-SIS offers the scale, infrastructure and ambition needed to deliver transformative investment.
As stated by Sarah, “it’s not just about land, it’s about opportunity.”
For more information about what N-SIS has to offer to investors, developers and end occupiers – please contact the Business Northumberland team.