Northumberland’s Economic Strategy Launched
Northumberland Economic Strategy Launched at Rural Showcase
More than 100 business leaders, partners and stakeholders gathered at the Alnwick Playhouse as the new Northumberland Economic Strategy 2025–2035 was officially launched as part of the Northumberland Rural Business Showcase.
Unveiled by Northumberland County Council, the ambitious strategy sets out a long-term vision for inclusive and sustainable economic growth across the county, with the potential to create up to 11,000 new jobs and increase productivity by £850 million a year by 2035.
The strategy has been co-designed with a wide range of partners and provides a clear roadmap for driving sustainable growth, investment and opportunity over the next decade. It examines the global and national trends reshaping local economies, including rapid technological change and evolving labour markets, and outlines how Northumberland’s collective strengths can respond to these shifts while taking advantage of emerging opportunities.
Central to the strategy is a focus on strengthening key sectors, supporting business competitiveness, boosting access to finance, enhancing infrastructure and ensuring residents have the skills needed to succeed in a changing economy.
Alongside the creation of thousands of direct jobs across priority sectors, the growth is expected to stimulate wider economic activity through local supply chains and communities.
A key element of the strategy is the proposed Northumberland Growth Fund, a major investment programme designed to accelerate economic development across the county. The fund is being enabled through the landmark £10 billion investment by QTS Data Centres and Blackstone to develop a new data centre campus in Cambois. Up to £110 million will be ringfenced to support business growth, infrastructure and job creation aligned with the strategy’s ambitions.
Initial proposals include the creation of a Northumberland Economic Infrastructure Programme to kick-start priority projects, alongside a recyclable Business Northumberland Investment Fund aimed at supporting enterprise and innovation across the county.
Speaking at the launch event, council leaders described the strategy as a defining moment for Northumberland’s economic future.
Glen Sanderson, Leader of Northumberland County Council said: “This strategy sets out our ambition for the county, based on our strengths and capabilities – of which there are many; it ensures Northumberland is actively driving a positive economic future.
“It’s about more than growth figures. It’s about creating high-quality jobs, strengthening the resilience of our economy and ensuring that opportunity is shared across every part of the county.
“Seeing the great turnout at this event shows the vested interest the County has in making Northumberland a great place to live, work and invest.”
Inclusive growth sits at the heart of the strategy, with a strong focus on expanding access to well-paid, secure employment and reducing inequalities in opportunity and healthy life expectancy across Northumberland.
The launch event brought together representatives from across the public, private and voluntary sectors, marking the start of a collaborative effort to deliver the strategy’s ambitions over the coming decade.
With significant investment already underway and major opportunities emerging across key sectors, the strategy signals the beginning of the next chapter in Northumberland’s economic development.
To view the Northumberland 2035 Economic Strategy visit Northumberland Economic Strategy or to find out how Business Northumberland can support your growth in the County visit www.businessnorthumberland.co.uk