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Cluster bid to build advanced material electronics sector
Launch – pictured ( left to right ): Alan Banks , CEO of TechWorks , Ken Williamson from PragmatIC , Richard Gibbs from Filtronic , Jim Mayock from Viper-RF , Gareth Taylor from Evince , Steve Clements from Axenic , Thomas Bayat from Isocom , Elaine Scott from Business Durham , Jillian Hughes , director of NMI , and MP Paul Howell .
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group of North-East-based companies working in advanced material electronics has launched a cluster group at a national conference held in the region .
The North East Advanced Material Electronics cluster group ( NEAME ) has been established to showcase the regional capability , which goes beyond conventional and high-volume compound semiconductors .
The sector makes a significant contribution to the regional economy and is projected to contribute £ 447m gross value added by 2026 , with the potential to create and support around 4,500 jobs .
The group , which is led by chief executives and other senior decisionmakers , will act as a single voice to raise the profile of the region ’ s competencies and address their main challenges and opportunities .
Nine founding businesses are involved , including PragmatIC , Evince and Filtronic .
Filtronic CEO Richard Gibbs said : “ NEAME is an opportunity to showcase this region ’ s strength within advanced material electronics .
“ What has always struck me about this area is the level of innovation that is happening every day on our doorstep .”
Paul Howell , MP for Sedgefield who officially launched the group at Ramside Hall , said : “ The formation of NEAME highlights the strength of the region ’ s growing advanced material electronics sector and presents an opportunity to develop the skills and the jobs of the future , establishing the North-East as a global hub for this technology .”
Innovation programme hits £ 1m milestone
A team of experts helping businesses secure funding to realise their innovation potential are celebrating after reaching a major milestone .
The North East SME Innovation Programme , led by the North East BIC , has helped more than 80 small- and mediumsized businesses tap into funding and support since its launch in 2018 .
Providing 40 per cent grant funding for projects ranging from £ 5,000 to £ 50,000 aimed at unlocking innovation , the project has provided £ 456,135 in funding towards projects totalling £ 1.16m .
This has led to the creation of 35 jobs and the launch of a range of new products and services , from physical products to software and digital solutions helping boost growth and productivity .
The BIC received £ 1,307,145 of funding
Innovators – Gillian Middleton ( left ) and Debbie Simpson from the North East BIC .
from the England European Regional Development Fund for the North East SME Innovation Programme , as part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020 .
The programme is exclusively for SMEs in Durham , Northumberland and Tyne & Wear that have been trading for at least 12 months and operate in a business-to-business environment , meaning they sell products or services to other organisations .
30 YEARS A CITY
Thirty years ago , Sunderland secured city status , a reflection of the shared hope and ambition of its three component boroughs .
In the years that have followed , the city has demonstrated its collective strength , transforming from a place of heavy industry to a weightless world of tech , trading mining for motor manufacturing and shipbuilding for service centres .
And with industrial change , the city ’ s fortunes are transforming .
Sunderland is evolving into a vibrant , dynamic , healthy , smart city – a place where people can realise their potential and enjoy a fulfilling life with access to world-class amenities , experiences and opportunities .
A programme of investment over the last few years has shifted the dial in Sunderland . Thousands of new jobs are being created – Ocado , Just Eat and Nissan are just three of the global brands creating new opportunities for our residents .
A new urban quarter – Riverside Sunderland – is taking shape in the heart of the city . It ' s a place where thousands of people will work , where many more will visit to enjoy its leisure facilities – from an arena , to a stunning leisure hub at Sheepfolds and , of course , Culture House , which will be a truly breathtaking space that will inspire curious minds .
And out to the coast , it ’ s impossible to miss the transformative investment in our seaside – what a place it is becoming .
It ’ s easy to see why we are also driving investment in new homes – 7,000 in fact – to capitalise on the increasing number of people drawn to our friendly city by the sea .
There have been ups and downs , highs and lows along the way – but the next 30 years look incredibly bright for Sunderland , led by its wonderful people . Peter McIntyre Executive director of corporate services , Sunderland City Council
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