Jessie Kelly‑Baxter, senior policy advisor at the North East Chamber of Commerce, said: The ONS employment figures released today (15 April 2025) show that the North East continues to have the highest rate of economic inactivity in England at 26.9%. This means over a quarter of working-age people in ourContinue Reading

The North East Chamber of Commerce will host its Partner and Corporate Business Dinner on Wednesday, 23 April, bringing together senior leaders from across the region for an evening of cross-party, cross-regional dialogue. Taking place at the Radisson Blu, Durham, the event will feature a fireside chat chaired by ShevaunContinue Reading

The region’s popular Kids Go Free promotion on public transport is back this easter break – so ‘hop’ onboard between 12 and 27 April 2025. The offer makes public transport in the North East (Tyne and Wear, Northumberland and County Durham areas) more affordable throughout the school holidays since itsContinue Reading

Economic survey results released today (11 April) by the North East Chamber of Commerce show a picture of cautious optimism among the region’s businesses, with key indicators improving after a challenging Q4. However, the outlook is being clouded by growing concern about the impact of new US tariffs, which couldContinue Reading

A crooked accountant who abused his position to orchestrate a £1.7 million tax fraud – spending the stolen cash on lavish holidays and cars – has been jailed for four years. Kenneth Scott, who ran an accountancy firm from five bases across the North East, charged clients VAT but failedContinue Reading

A brand-new launch pad membership designed to support early-stage businesses has been created by the North East Chamber of Commerce. Start Up and Grow is the latest addition to the Chamber’s enhanced membership offer, providing the tools, support and connections for incorporated start-ups in their first two years of business.Continue Reading

28 March 2025 Innovations in transporting blood products and diversifying the workforce by introducing apprenticeship schemes has resulted in the pathology team at Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust being recognised at the 2025 North East and Yorkshire Healthcare Science Awards. The awards acknowledge teams and individuals that are actively workingContinue Reading

Over 100 women from across the North East’s business community gathered to celebrate International Women’s Day (IWD) at the North East Chamber of Commerce’s Inspiring Women in Business event, highlighting the achievements of women and the steps needed to drive gender equality forward. The event featured inspiring talks from leadingContinue Reading

More than 30 community projects are to benefit from a new £1 million Opportunity Fund set up by North East Mayor Kim McGuinness The first round of grants from the new Mayor’s Opportunity Fund has seen £264,210 awarded to 33 small charities and community groups. Funding has been targeted at organisationsContinue Reading

Advanced weather modelling indicates that snow is set to hit the UK within days, stretching across a 600-mile expanse of the country. According to the ECMWF weather model, snow flurries are expected to arrive from the Atlantic on March 7, initially impacting Northern Ireland before drifting eastward and blanketing largeContinue Reading