Business Networks
North East England has well-established industry support organisations which connect the region's businesses and help companies to grow and succeed.
Many of these business networks are sector specific, providing bespoke advice and guidance for both existing organisations and those looking to relocate to the North East. They provide connections to supply chains, potential partners and customers and facilitate networking and peer-to-peer engagement.
These organisations can support investors in Energy Central by providing them with access to networking events, industry intelligence and sector specific knowledge.
The Energy Central team works in close partnership with a number of networks to provide solutions to industry challenges and identify new business opportunities.
NOF
A not-for-profit organisation, NOF helps to make valuable connections between businesses working in the global energy sector.
It works on behalf of its UK members and network partners to connect companies with the best and most innovative supply chain businesses in the UK.
It is well connected and established in the energy sector, and many of its board members actively work in the industry.
NEPIC
The North East of England Process Industry Cluster (NEPIC) is a not-for-profit organisation that supports the needs and interests of the chemical processing sector in the North East of England.
The organisation works closely with member companies to forge meaningful business relationships that identify opportunities, facilitate connections, promote collaboration and enable growth.
NEPIC also actively works beyond its traditional stakeholder base with universities, research institutes and public bodies to leverage additional value for the sector.
Since 2014, NEPIC has been accredited with the European Secretariat for Cluster Analysis Gold Label for excellent cluster management – it was also the first cluster in the UK to receive this standard. To date, 500 of the 2000 registered clusters in Europe have undergone cluster accreditation. Less than 50 hold Gold Label and of these just six are production and engineering focused clusters such as NEPIC.
Energi East Coast
The North East’s Offshore Wind Cluster is a growing network comprising a range of members from industry, offshore wind sites, through to universities. The network was founded in 2011 by energy sector business development experts, NOF.
NEAA
The North East Automotive Alliance (NEAA) is an industry-led cluster group, established to support the economic sustainable growth and competitiveness of the automotive sector in North East England.
The NEAA is the largest automotive cluster in the UK and one of the fastest growing in Europe, with more than 300 cluster participants.
The organisation represents and works on behalf of the whole North East automotive sector, from businesses manufacturing cars and components through to companies engaged with commercial, off-highway or engine manufacture.
Subsea UK
Subsea UK is the industry body and focal point for the entire British subsea industry and aims to increase business opportunities at home and abroad for the sector.
It brings together the whole supply chain from operators, contractors, suppliers and others working in the industry. The body champions Britain’s subsea sector which leads the way globally in terms of market size, experience and technology development.
Subsea UK now has more than 290 member companies and continues to grow.
Subsea NE
The Subsea North East Executive Group champions the North East of England’s growing subsea sector locally, nationally and globally.
The group aims to showcase the region’s world-class innovation and technology and encourage collaborations between businesses. The group co-operates and supports Subsea UK, NOF and Energi Coast to identify opportunities for promotion, skills and technology.