Authorities unite to showcase regional opportunities at UKREiiF

Newcastle, Gateshead and Durham have announced their collaboration to promote investment opportunities across North East England at the upcoming UKREiiF property convention in Leeds later in May.

The partnership marks a strategic alignment in light of the new devolution agreement, which brings together all seven local authorities of North East England for the first time to deliver economic transformation and unlock £4.2bn in funding.

Critical to achieving the ambition to reshape the North East’s economy is securing investment for key infrastructure and urban regeneration projects.

By unifying their efforts at UKREiiF, Newcastle, Gateshead and Durham, alongside the other local authorities, will look to demonstrate the region’s investment readiness by presenting a consolidated portfolio of investable opportunities.

Cllr Nick Kemp, Leader of Newcastle City Council, said: “The strength of the relationships between ourselves, Gateshead, Durham and the other North East local authorities is what has enabled us to secure this devolution deal for our communities and I look forward to putting out a united front with my cabinet colleagues at UKREiiF.

“We have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to redefine our region and secure the transformational investment needed to accelerate our economic and social progress and by coming together we aim to attract investors who are as passionate about the region’s future as we are.”

Cllr Amanda Hopgood, Leader of Durham County Council, said: “The North East has always had a strong shared identity, along with a long history of innovation, enterprise and ingenuity.  Now, after securing this trailblazing devolution deal, the bonds between the region’s local authorities are stronger than ever before.

“Our collaboration at UKREiiF later this month is just one of the ways we will work together to promote the world-class investment opportunities that exist here. It is a chance to raise awareness of the North East as a place to invest, and as a place where business and entrepreneurs are valued and supported. Ultimately, it is about drawing on our strengths to deliver jobs and opportunities for communities across the region.”

Since its launch in 2022, UKREiiF has become one of the biggest real estate investment conferences in the country, expected to attract more than 10,000 people to Leeds this May.

Invest Newcastle, part of NewcastleGateshead Initiative, will be running a dynamic 3-day programme of events and panel discussions from their pavilion at the conference, while Durham County Council will be showcasing from within the main exhibition hall, focusing on the scale and breadth of unique opportunities within the county and the broader region.

The council leaders will be joined by the new North East Mayor at UKREiiF who will set out their strategic vision for the new mayoral authority in a series of speaking engagements that will focus on the potential of devolution to support regional economic development.

Kim McGuinness, North East Mayor, said: “We’re here to put the North East on the national and international stage. The potential for growth in the North East has never been greater and events like UKREiiF provide a national platform for us to promote the fantastic opportunities we have right across the region.

“As we unlock our trailblazer devolution deal, it’s important that we get straight to work on attracting the investment our communities need and deserve and I look forward to spreading that message later this month in Leeds.”

• For further details on the North East’s activities at UKREiiF and to explore the wealth of opportunities that the region has to offer, stakeholders are encouraged to visit https://beyond.investnewcastle.com and https://www.poweringcountydurham.co.uk.