Businesses continue to choose Newcastle and Gateshead as their base despite wider economic uncertainty, according to Invest Newcastle. The NGI-run agency published its 2025/26 round-up showing 31 firms set up operations in the area, with another 12 expanding.
Jobs and investment figures
This activity generated 1,619 new jobs and safeguarded 611 existing roles. The figures include businesses investing in the region for the first time, relocations from elsewhere in the region and across the UK. The numbers are similar to the previous year, when 31 companies also located in Newcastle and Gateshead and nine firms expanded. Invest Newcastle bosses point to the consistency as a positive against a challenging economic backdrop of global conflicts, delayed investment decisions and more cautious expansion strategies.
Notable investments
German-owned industrial services firm Kaefer moved into the Live Works building on Newcastle Quayside earlier this year, bringing 200 jobs. Fintech Modern World Business Solutions set out ambitions to create about 100 jobs when it announced a Hoults Yard base last summer. Arden University opened a new campus on Newcastle Helix to widen higher education participation. LMA Newcastle, a new creative campus, will develop skills and pathways into employment across music, performance and screen industries. Late last year, Pneuma Games Group set up Last Arrow Games in Gateshead.
Council reaction
Coun Owen Burbridge, cabinet member for economy, jobs and skills at Newcastle City Council, said: "While businesses around the world are becoming more cautious about expansion, Newcastle has delivered another year of strong and consistent performance, helping to create jobs, safeguard employment and generate significant economic value for the city. These results highlight Newcastle's strategic position as the commercial engine of the North East’s economy."
Coun Steve Campion, cabinet member for economic development at Gateshead Council, said: "These investment figures highlight the value of the strong partnership between Gateshead and Newcastle, and also reflect the growing confidence businesses have in Gateshead as a destination in its own right. From our thriving digital and creative sector to our advanced manufacturing and engineering industries, Gateshead offers the talent, connectivity and business support that companies need to succeed."
