After listening to the King’s Speech with references to the planned ‘English Devolution Bill’ and ‘Skills England Bill’, it struck me that many cities and regions will be planning for a different type of relationship, with new expectations of central government. One such city is Newcastle.

Travelling across the UK recently and spending time with a broad range of organisations, it’s clear that many have been increasing their investments in regional hubs with ambitious new location strategies. ISG’s ‘Sustainable Buildings Monitor’ report, which proposed a new locational attractiveness index based around contemporary value measurements – such as quality of life, transport infrastructure and carbon emissions, identified the North East as the greatest area of opportunity in the UK for organisational growth. People in the North East have long recognised the region’s potential and ISG’s research added to this body of evidence – the key now is to match skills to opportunity and develop a strategic workforce plan to help nurture this investment opportunity.

With ambitious plans to become a leading innovation and technology hub, Newcastle is attracting significant investment, particularly in commercial office space and educational facilities. This represents a golden opportunity to stimulate growth in the regional economy, but also to sustain this engine of prosperity through an aligned skills development pipeline to ensure the North East remains an attractive place to do business, learn and innovate.

However, a key challenge remains: ensuring a skilled workforce is readily available to capitalise on these emerging opportunities. Here's where ISG's recent "Rethinking the Skills Conundrum" campaign comes into play, offering valuable insights and a data-driven approach to bridge the skills gap.

Harnessing the power of data

The report emphasises the importance of utilising built environment data - planned investments in physical assets - as a reliable indicator of future skills demand. By analysing data from Glenigan, specifically for Newcastle and the North East region, we can create a roadmap for targeted skills development.

The data paints a clear picture. Investment in office spaces, particularly with the redevelopment of Pilgrims Quarter, has surged, reflecting a growing demand for talent. Furthermore, the significant investment in education (16% of the pipeline) aligns perfectly with the city's vision of fostering a highly-skilled workforce.

Building a skills pipeline for the future

This data presents a significant opportunity for collaborations with like-minded local partners from Newcastle City council, to Newcastle University and social enterprises like Philanthropy NE and Smart Works. By providing early-stage career planning and skills development programs, we can bridge the gap between aspirations and readily available pathways, not just for higher education but across all skill levels.

Empowering the next generation

The social value approach championed by ISG aligns perfectly with Newcastle's vision. The creation of new jobs and local revenue generated by large-scale projects can have a ripple effect, positively impacting local businesses and communities.

Furthermore, addressing the skills gap can contribute to improved mental health statistics in the region. By providing clear pathways to rewarding careers, we empower individuals and foster a sense of purpose, leading to a more positive and productive environment.

Newcastle's transformation is not simply about attracting investment; it's about creating a future where residents have the skills and opportunities to thrive. Our recent research white papers have clearly identified the North East as a region of significant potential and by  fostering collaboration with local partners, and prioritising local needs, Newcastle can become a model for sustainable growth and innovation, ensuring a bright future for its people and the region.