THIS is set to be a momentous year for North-East business with a series of landmark events, factory openings and anniversaries showcasing the region's spirit of innovation and enterprise.
Kicking things off this week is the North East Chamber of Commerce (NECC) which is marking its bicentenary with a year-long campaign to promote the regional business.
James Ramsbotham, the NECC chief executive, said: “The North-East contributes over £41.6bn to the UK economy. NECC is, and will always be, evolving with it; but our sole purpose remains the same - make the prosperity of the North-East our number one priority.”
Later in the year Cummins will mark 50 years since it started producing engines at its Darlington factory.
A revolution in banking will be led by Durham City-based Atom bank when it launches this summer, while the start of scheduled flights from Newcastle Airport to New York will give the region a gateway to some of the most lucrative markets in the world.
The Centre for Process Innovation’s £38m National Biologics Manufacturing Centre, in Darlington’s Central Park, will open
to research and develop potentially life-saving cures and vaccines, and Ebac, in Newton Aycliffe, will become the UK's only washing machine manufacturer.
At the close of the year Hitachi will open its £82m train building factory and revive an industry which made the region world famous two centuries ago.
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