Chamber members hear how regional connectivity can unlock growth and opportunity
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Senior business leaders from across the North East gathered at the latest Chamber 1815 Lunch to hear how regional connectivity and collaboration can unlock new opportunities for growth, trade and sustainability.
The event, attended by more than 150 senior leaders and stakeholders, explored how businesses in the region can benefit from investment and supply chain opportunities at Heathrow and Newcastle airports, and the vital role connectivity plays in supporting the regional economy.
Guest speaker Nigel Milton, chief communication & sustainability officer at Heathrow Airport, outlined the airport’s £10bn investment plans, future expansion plans, its ambition to increase SME participation in its supply chain and its work to reduce aviation’s carbon footprint through innovation and collaboration.
He explained how Heathrow already spends millions of pounds a year with North East businesses. Nigel said, “Heathrow is proud of its longstanding partnership with the North East, already spending around £15m a year with businesses here and supporting exporters through our role as the UK’s most valuable port.
“As we expand, we want to work with even more SMEs in the region, creating jobs, supporting trade and driving innovation. We are committed to ensuring our growth is sustainable and inclusive, and we see the North East as a key part of that story.”
He highlighted initiatives, including the Business Summit, the SME Academy, which helps companies navigate procurement processes and the World of Opportunity grant scheme, which supports exporters. Nigel also spoke about Heathrow’s role as the UK’s largest port by value, handling £200bn of goods annually and its plans to increase freight capacity by 20%.
On sustainability, he outlined progress in incentivising the use of sustainable aviation fuels, and Heathrow’s work to develop UK production of cleaner fuels to make low-carbon air travel commercially viable.
“Growth has to go hand in hand with our environmental responsibilities,” he added. “We are working with government and industry to deliver a more sustainable future for aviation.”
Alice Andreasen, chief corporate affairs officer at Newcastle Airport, shared the airport’s plans, which aim to double its economic contribution to £2bn a year in 2040 and achieve net zero by 2035.
She outlined recent investments, including upgraded security technology, refurbished catering, and a three-tier lounge offer, which have improved customer experience and raised satisfaction levels.
Alice said, “Our vision is to grow sustainably and continue connecting the North East to the world. We want to hear from businesses about what they need from us as their airport, so we can help them seize global opportunities and support the region’s prosperity.”
Alice also described the airport’s sustainability priorities, which include expanding its on-site solar farm, switching to electric and alternative-fuel vehicles and restoring woodland and peatland to capture carbon.
She underlined the importance of Newcastle’s partnership with Heathrow, noting that seven daily flights to London provide vital connections to more than 300 global destinations and play a key role in supporting exporters and inward investment.
“Connectivity is about more than flights. It supports jobs, growth and competitiveness,” she added. “Our plan reflects our confidence in the region and our determination to deliver for its businesses and communities.”
The Q&A session highlighted the appetite among regional businesses for increased flight capacity between Newcastle and London, reflecting the importance of reliable and frequent domestic connections to support economic growth. Both airports acknowledged and reaffirmed their shared ambition to strengthen links between the region and the capital.
Chamber president Deborah Walton reflected on the North East’s momentum and the role of businesses, civic leaders and the Chamber in creating a stronger, fairer region. She celebrated the collaborative spirit that continues to drive progress, despite challenging conditions.
She said, “The Chamber is proud to bring people together, advocate for our members and keep the region moving forward. From our new membership propositions to our upcoming Stronger Fairer North East policy refresh, we are working every day to ensure your voice is heard and opportunities are maximised.
“Today’s conversation underlined just how important regional connectivity and partnerships are, and how much potential there is when we all pull in the same direction.”
The 1815 Lunch took place at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Newcastle, on 16 July 2025. The event was sponsored by associate sponsor of large business, Newcastle College and supported by Newcastle Airport.
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Photo (l-r): Alice Andreasen, Newcastle Airport, Deborah Walton, North East Chamber of Commerce, Nigel Milton, Heathrow Airport and Alan Fenton, Newcastle College