WIREDGOV

Businesses in the North East have shown their ‘get up and go’ in the face of uncertainty over the last year, investing in new technologies and breaking into new overseas markets, the CBI Director-General will say tonight.

Carolyn Fairbairn, CBI Director-General of the UK’s largest business group, will also shine a light on the region’s thriving tech sector, gaining in reputation far beyond the North East in a speech to business leaders held at the Biscuit Factory in Newcastle.

On the positive outlook of North East firms, Carolyn will say:

“Whatever the uncertainties, the North East is a great example of how to deal with them. An example of extraordinary ‘get up and go’.

“At a time when reasons to slow down are seen by some as a dime-a-dozen, there’s a spirit here of ‘glass-half-full’, getting on with things.

“Instead of saying ‘let’s wait and see’, firms here in the North East are asking ‘why not?’ Why not invest in new technologies? Why not expand into new foreign markets? Why not give young people from the area better skills?”

On the region’s growing tech scene, she will say:

“The North East’s tech scene is a hot spot for tech firms in the UK. The waters of the Tyne, the Wear and the Tees are awash with big ambitions.

“Newcastle, undoubtedly, is a titan of tech and home to England’s fastest growing tech economy – growing 30% from 2011-15.

“And it’s not just thanks to the larger anchor institutions such as Sage, Accenture and HP – vital though they are to the ecosystem of this region.

“It’s also about the smaller scale up firms. Newcastle’s share of fast-growth digital firms is one of the highest in the UK.

“Walk out that door in any direction – north, south, east or west – you’ll find the most amazing stories.

“Clusters of excellence in data analytics, virtual reality, smart data, gaming and cyber security to digital and creative business hubs like the Boho Zone in Tees Valley where businesses grow, network and build.”

On business innovation in the North East, she will say:

“Powering this tech success are the North East’s twin engines of world-class innovation and higher education. 

“The CBI’s regional growth work showed that the North East is one of the most innovative places in the UK. Sedgefield-based Polyphotonix developed a light-emitting mask protecting the vision of people with diabetes at the Centre for Process Innovation. Without this support, they say their mask would still be an idea on a drawing board.”

On higher education institutions preparing the next generation for the world of work, she will add:

“Schools, colleges, universities and businesses, all have the responsibility to work together to equip our students with the right skills to maximise the opportunities ahead. And they are.

“All five north east universities – Northumbria, Newcastle, Sunderland, Durham and Teesside - have come together to set up Creative Fuse - a partnership to ensure the Creative Digital and IT sector in the region becomes more resilient, grows faster and creates more and better jobs in a sustainable digital economy.

“Academics working alongside industry, cultural organisations, charities and the public sector. A true collaboration with education and innovation at its heart.”

On an Industrial Strategy, she will say:

“There are many more inspirational stories of the North East tech scene, of innovation and of collaboration between business and education. They are a glimpse into the future, of how the UK can build the foundations of our prosperity through an Industrial Strategy.

“The CBI is working very closely with the government to make sure that this strategy is tailored to make the best of the strengths of each region of the UK.

“I am delighted to say that our voice is being heard and I am looking forward to seeing the North-East build on the remarkable things already happening here as part of this strategy.”