New coalition of leading figures across the AI sector aims to create thousands of jobs and boost the region’s economy
British AI firm Nscale is one of many leading AI companies joining a new taskforce to help grow the AI sector in the North-East. Data centre builders, local training providers and world-class university researchers have also joined up, with the aim to create training and apprenticeships so that the benefits of cutting-edge AI are felt across the region.
Photo courtesy of North Tyneside Council
The UK Government designated the North East region as an AI Growth Zone, with aiming to transform its tech landscape and create long-term AI careers, with the aim of boosting public services such as healthcare.
The first priority of the new taskforce is to get the zone up and running. Building work is expected to start in coming weeks at Cambois near Blyth – to which Blackstone has already committed £10bn – and Cobalt Park. The latter is a key site in the new AI infrastructure platform Stargate UK being launched by Nscale, OpenAI and NVIDIA.
The taskforce will address challenges at these sites such as planning, further investment and access to energy. Going forward, it will aim to maximise the impact of AI for the local economy, economically but also through jobs and opportunities for young people.
Liz Kendall MP, Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, says: ‘The North East is once again leading the charge – this time in the AI revolution. We’re backing local talent with the skills and training they need to thrive in the jobs of tomorrow. From laying the physical foundations and building data centres to launching careers in AI, this Growth Zone is about creating real opportunities for people right across the region.’
Karen Clark, Mayor of North Tyneside Council, adds: ‘These are dynamic times as AI opens up possibilities for economic growth and innovation across North Tyneside and the wider North East. This investment opens the door to thousands of high-quality jobs for our residents. The data centre campus at Cobalt is a crucial site in the North East AI Growth Zone. As a local authority, we’re committed to unlocking its full potential, using our strong regional partnerships across government, business, and the education and skills sector.’
Kim McGuinness, Mayor of North East Combined Authority, says: ‘We know AI can be transformational for people and the local economy. This investment will mean thousands of jobs for local people and the North East leading innovations in tech. Now we need to work with businesses to develop the talent right here, and make sure the benefits of AI reach the people of the region. We’ve already mobilised a taskforce of business leaders, industry experts and skills providers to deliver exactly that. I want kids in school here today to see their place in an AI-driven future, and this is how we make sure it provides a new future for our young people.’
Ben Aung, Chief of Staff at Sage, adds: ‘Our new AI Growth Zone puts the region’s innovation on the map and, with early careers in focus, will inspire and upskill the next generation of AI talent. To turn that potential into tangible results, businesses and our colleges and universities must work more closely than ever—aligning curricula with real roles, sharing expertise and opening pathways into industry. From our global Cobalt Park HQ, Sage is turning that momentum into practical, trusted AI for small businesses—freeing people from time-sapping admin so the whole region can be more productive and prosper.’
In related news:
Opinion: How can AI deliver on the NHS 10 Year Plan’s productivity promise?
Leave a Reply