About the Region

The North East of England is a region of outstanding contrasts. For business and for leisure, we deliver.

Our engineering heritage is second to none. We built the first railways and our heavy industries in steel, coal, chemicals and shipbuilding were the engine room of Britain's industrial strength over the past two centuries.

Steel and chemicals continue to thrive while other elements of our engineering legacy are now represented by leading providers of specialist technical services that take our expertise to global markets.

We have thriving businesses of all sizes in new technologies, automotive manufacturing and the service sector. Our business leaders, our workforce and our support agencies collaborate in a practical, enthusiastic no-nonsense way to generate growth, profitability and security for all.

We're very proud of our natural history and over 30 per cent of the region is designated either as National Park or areas of outstanding natural beauty. The beaches and coastline are clean and full of character.You'll find people surfing, sunbathing (yes, sunbathing!), fishing and engaging in every kind of water sport. The outstanding countryside in Northumberland and Cleveland offers opportunities for everything from a casual stroll in verdant surroundings through to potholing, mountaineering and hang-gliding.



Architecturally, Durham Cathedral and the multi-award winning Sage Gateshead highlight the diversity in terms of ancient and modern that can be seen across the region. The tomb of the Venerable Bede in Durham and the island monastery of Lindisfarne show the role the region played in the religious history of the nation.

How many people, for example, know that the first English bible was compiled in the region by a son of Sunderland?



And for a night out that can rival any city in Europe, Newcastle has bars, restaurants, hotels, clubs and theatres to cater for all ages and all tastes. No wonder it's the weekend destination of choice for people from across the country.