Inward investment
The North East of England: The place for investment in the Process Industry
The North East of England has a long history of innovation and industrialisation. With new ideas ranging from the invention of the safety match to the production of the first steam engine, the region has consistently innovated and turned ideas into reality.
A background of coal mining, shipbuilding and steel making provided a background for the development of an extensive chemical manufacturing business during the 1900s. An extensive pharmaceutical cluster also developed, with over 33% of the UKs turnover in pharmaceuticals arising in the region.
As the global economy changed the region reacted. The Renewable Fuel and Energy sectors attracted a lot of attention. The largest bioethanol plant in Europe opened on Teesside in 2009 joining the 250ktes/annum biodiesel plant which was commissioned in 2006. Biomass power stations have been built and more are anticipated. The region hosts NaREC, the National renewable energy centre and continues to attract investment in this area.
he Fine and Speciality Chemical sectors also continue to grow. The scientific knowledge and engineering support present in the region continue to give local companies the edge when competing on an international stage.
Developments also continue in novel and innovative recycling methods. PYReco is building an industrial scale tyre pyrolysis plant which will recover the raw materials from used tyres and solve the nation’s tyre disposal problem.
There are many reasons why the Process Industry in the North East of England will continue to thrive and reinvent itself including:
- A dedicated and committed business support network
- Low operating costs
- A flexible, skilled and readily available workforce
- Fast and efficient logistics networks for the transport of products and components
- Strong academic support with an intelligence network of five universities and 24 colleges
- Excellent telecommunications
- A first class range of property and sites, offering solutions for all needs
- Competitive and substantial financial incentives
- An enviable inward investment track record
NEPIC’s role in Inward Investment
A key role of NEPIC within the North East of England is to provide a single point of contact for investors looking to locate a Process Industry project on the region. Experts are on hand to discuss land availability, business support networks and the supply chain, grant support and make introductions to the key people within the support organisations such as One North East, the Tyne & Wear Development Company, Northumberland County Council, County Durham Development Company and Tees Valley Regeneration.
