TESCO Bank, Marine Management Organisation, Teleperformance, HM Plant and many suppliers of Nissan - just a selection of inward investors to locate in Tyne and Wear over the last quarter of a century. Alongside hundreds of local businesses, they have all benefitted from the support of Tyne and Wear Development Company.
The region’s leading business development agency is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. It was formed not long after the first cars rolled off the production line at Nissan. Since then it has helped countless growing companies on the road to success.
While the economic landscape may have changed significantly in the following three decades – traditional, heavy industries gradually being replaced by emerging technology-based ones – Tyne and Wear Development Company’s role as the first port of call for business investment remains. It continues to work on behalf of the region’s five local authorities to encourage inward investment and to provide after-care and business support for key strategic companies.
Councillor Paul Watson, chair of Tyne and Wear Development Company and leader of Sunderland Council, explains: “The impact of Tyne and Wear Development Company cannot be underestimated. Thousands of jobs have been created and millions added to the regional economy through projects it has been involved with.
“Business investment doesn’t just happen overnight. Some of the biggest developments can take many months and even years of bridge building and planning to drive through.”
Tyne and Wear Development Company’s CV of achievements includes many of the region’s leading companies. However, the agency also continues to support growing local businesses in emerging industries as the regional economy diversifies.
Free and confidential advice is provided on all business growth matters including: property, funding, labour, demographics and the region as well as aftercare support for investors.
Michael Stephenson, managing director of Helena Biosciences and a private sector member of Tyne and Wear Development Company’s board, added: “The company has always played a pivotal role in driving business growth. It works tirelessly behind the scenes to help companies achieve their goals, providing access to support from many different sources and partners whenever required.”