Insights From
Tyne Powered

“We’re ambitious and forward thinking and we’re welcoming. I’d say that the 2050 Maritime Innovation Hub, and the Tyne as a whole, has a lot to offer to any business – big or small – that wants to develop and deliver new technologies and systemic improvements.”

Ian Blake,
Head of Innovation and Technology at the Port of Tyne.

“The work we do is multifaceted and we need people who are ambitious and free-thinking, and we have those people in spades here on the Tyne.”

Vahid Walker,
Founder, Walker Subsea.

“Having a facility ‘on the doorstep’ is of significant benefit to us, logistically, but equally the capacity offered by multiple chambers means that projects can be accommodated when needed.”

Paul Humphreys,
General Manager at BEL Valves commenting on Tyne Pressure Testing.

“Anyone in the renewables sector looking for somewhere to live that offers the perfect mix of work, rest and play will find it hard to resist the pull of the North East of England. The scale of the renewables sector here is second to none in the UK meaning job opportunities are plentiful, while the unique combination of exciting cities; unspoilt coasts and world heritage sites; first class schools and universities; excellent connectivity; and enough culture and sport to fill every day of the week, makes the region a highly desirable destination for renewables professionals and their families.”

Tom Chaplin,
ORE Catapult.

“The Tyne has always been a magnet for industry, enterprise and innovation. This will undoubtedly continue to be the case with all of the exciting new developments and opportunities arising from the offshore industry.

Businesses looking to invest and locate in the area will quickly experience the advantages of the infrastructure, supply chain, skills base and lower cost of doing business in a pioneering region for the energy industry. Let’s not also forget the quality of life here and the fact it is a beautiful part of the UK to live in, this will also help to attract and retain staff.

It is a key strategic location for the energy industry including those sectors contributing hugely to the energy transition and zero 2050. This includes those that are part of North East England’s offshore wind cluster, Energi Coast, which is leading the way and bringing innovation and exceptional levels of quality and service to major renewable energy projects.”

Joanne Leng MBE,
Chief Executive of NOF, the UK business development specialists for the energy sector.

“UK Docks is built on the North East’s remarkable historical foundation and geography. We’re fully integrated into the region’s infrastructure, with direct links to major roads, rail, airports and the sea, and we have excellent relationships with the Tyne’s maritime supply chains and the multi-skilled people of the North East.”

Stephen Lee,
Operations Manager, UK Docks Marine Services.

“A&P North East’s operations employ a workforce of 230 whilst supporting a network of 200 subcontractors. Our supply chain has injected £75m into the economy over the last five years, 40% of which was spent in the North East.

We recognise that our people are key to the success of our business. A&P is committed to developing the next generation of engineers, project managers and support staff who will play pivotal roles across our facilities. A&P has recruited hundreds of apprentices and this year, A&P North East intends to further increase the intake of apprentices across the business to support future programmes.”

David McGinley,
Chief Executive Officer of Cammell Laird Shiprepairers and Shipbuilders Ltd, Atlantic and Peninsula Marine Services Ltd.

“We’re investing in our Tyne facility because we believe in this location. It’s been fantastic. We’ve been welcomed with open arms and the people here have been key to our success.”

Tom Coosemans,
Director, Smulders Projects.

“Leveraging Tyneside’s strong engineering skills base and having world-class test facilities like Tyne Pressure Testing, ORE Catapult and Neptune Energy Park Deep Water Test Tank on our doorstep makes the development of new technology like our EV ROVs much easier.”

Mike Jones,
Chairman, SMD.

“We’ll continue to support and create unique offshore and marine clusters on the Tyne through responsible remediation and partnership with all our stakeholders.”

Charles Shepherd,
Managing Director, Shepherd Offshore.

“We have an excellent partnership with Newcastle College Energy Academy. We’re investing in the next generation; they’re the future of our company and they get a great standard of training with Newcastle College, backed up with excellent mentoring from our own team.”

Kelly Scott,
Operations Director at WD Close.