North East firms are being offered the chance to tap into one of Asia’s most dynamic markets through a new trade mission to Singapore.
Led by the North East Chamber of Commerce (NECC), the week-long mission runs from November 22 to 28, 2026, and aims to help businesses from the region explore commercial opportunities in the fast-growing Asian market.
Run in partnership with the British Chamber of Commerce in Singapore, the mission will provide North East businesses with access to market insight, senior business networks, and tailored commercial introductions in Singapore—an established hub for sectors including finance, life sciences, advanced manufacturing, and clean growth.
Jennifer Rycroft, executive director of membership and international trade at NECC, said: "This trade mission will give North East businesses a practical, supported route into one of Asia’s most exciting commercial markets.
"Singapore is a major gateway to the wider region and offers strong opportunities for businesses looking to grow internationally.
"Through our partnership with the British Chamber of Commerce in Singapore, delegates will gain high-quality insight, introductions and support that would be difficult to secure alone.
"We know international trade can feel complex, particularly when businesses are exploring a new market.
"This mission will help delegates understand the opportunity, build the right relationships and take their next steps with confidence."
Exports from the North East to Singapore grew by 110 per cent between 2024 and 2025, representing an increase of £126.5 million, with power-generating equipment and organic chemicals among the leading exports.
This growth reflects the region’s strengths in energy transition, advanced manufacturing, and industrial innovation.
The mission is open to businesses from all sectors but is particularly suited to those that are export-ready and focused on growth.
Participants will benefit from four to six tailored business-to-business meetings, market briefings, site visits, and networking events, along with senior stakeholder introductions and in-market support from the Chamber’s international trade team.
David Kelly, executive director of the British Chamber of Commerce in Singapore, said: "We are delighted to welcome the North East Chamber of Commerce and its members on this important UK regional trade mission.
"Singapore offers a dynamic, well-organised, and highly connected business environment, and serves as the gateway to ASEAN, a bloc on track to become the world's fourth-largest economy and already growing around 25% faster than the global average.
"That makes Singapore an outstanding place to invest, trade, and build lasting partnerships.
"We look forward to super connecting the mission's companies across our network and supporting meaningful, long-term growth."
The NECC will provide pre-mission preparation and post-mission follow-up to help businesses convert discussions into commercial opportunities.
To ensure a tailored experience, the mission will be limited to eight to 12 businesses.
The cost to participate is £4,000 plus VAT, excluding travel, accommodation, and other expenses.
Dawson & Sanderson, a North East-based travel company, has been named as the mission’s official travel partner and will help delegates with travel and hotel bookings, offering exclusive rates at no additional booking fee.
Businesses that are unsure if Singapore is the right market for them are invited to attend a free Market Insight Event on Wednesday, July 8.
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Those interested in the mission will then take part in a scoping call with the British Chamber of Commerce in Singapore to further assess their suitability.
The deadline for expressions of interest and registrations is Friday, September 25.
For more information or to register, businesses can contact Michael Dickinson at michael.dickinson@necc.co.uk or visit the North East Chamber of Commerce website.
