A public/private sector partnership, boosting the County Durham economy by increasing Japanese investment in the area, is celebrating a successful first year.
The North East Enterprise Company is an alliance between North East entrepreneur Sir John Hall, Durham County Council and the South Durham Enterprise Agency. Its purpose is to attract new investment from Japan, working to highlight the excellent opportunities that exist for foreign investors in County Durham and the North East as a whole.
At the board meeting on 20th June, the partnership looked back at its achievements during its first year and celebrated stronger partnerships created with Japanese businesses such as Hitachi, Panasonic, Nissan and many more.
Working closely with Business Durham, Durham County Council’s business gateway, and the highly respected Masao Kumori, who was recently awarded an MBE for his services to business in the North East, the partnership has welcomed four inward visits from Japanese companies interested or already investing in the region this year. In addition, businesses in the North East have benefitted from the groups assistance in facilitating profile boosting visits to Japan and the British Embassy in Tokyo.
Cllr Neil Foster, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for economic regeneration, said: “The NEEC is a unique public/private sector partnership encouraging much needed investment in the county’s economy. As Hitachi has recognised, County Durham is a fantastic place to do business and the NEEC is working hard to support new investment, promote growth and create vital jobs both now and for our future school leavers.”
Cllr Rob Yorke, Chairman of NEEC and the South Durham Enterprise Agency, said: “The NEEC has enjoyed a very successful first year and the relations between Durham and major Japanese companies has never been stronger. With the development of Hitachi’s rail plant in Newton Aycliffe gathering pace, the partnership is looking forward to doing even more, showcasing the benefits of County Durham and the region as a whole as a business destination to these vital Japanese markets.”
