It is the English region with the greatest capacity for growth – boasting a wealth of natural assets and resources, available development sites; a skilled workforce and a quality of life envied across the rest of the UK. The North East will play a key role in the Government’s Northern Powerhouse. With impressive prime development land, the region is bursting with untapped potential. The North East’s seven local authority areas, each with its own distinct offer for the market, are showcasing the wide range of opportunities available – and those included in this guide are but a selection of those the North East has to offer. From prime sites suited to commercial offices, to manufacturing and warehousing, retail and leisure developments and residential space, the North East has it all. The region offers a compelling set of opportunities for developers, investors and end-users alike. The area boasts one of the fastest growing knowledge economies in the UK, and builds on its strong industrial heritage, as home to major manufacturers including the most productive car plant in Europe, Nissan Motor Manufacturing UK, and major international supply chain companies. The North East is a well-established hub for offshore energy, supported by four ports, positioned down the region’s North Sea coastline. Pharmaceuticals and life sciences are also growing sectors, supported by the area’s cutting edge universities, including Durham and Newcastle. The area has a thriving financial, professional and business services sector, and is home to a number of big name businesses. From BT to Barclays and Virgin Money to Tesco Bank, the North East offers a unique combination of skilled, flexible, ideally located development sites and excellent connectivity. Public-private sector collaboration helps projects to progress at pace too, meaning the North East will continue to be an area of choice for investors looking for attractive development opportunities.