We’re proud of our roots in here in the North East. Many people naturally assume that metropolises such as London, Birmingham and Manchester play host to the UK’s latest and greatest technological advances. But that’s not always the case. While its growth may have gone unnoticed by some, the North East is now rapidly gaining recognition as a hotbed of innovation.
Don’t just take our word for it. Earlier this year, Newcastle secured the fourth spot in the fDi Intelligence Top 10 mid-sized European cities of the future 2022/23 ranking. This was the outcome of their study to benchmark promising investment destinations across the continent. A report by the Department for International Trade has also revealed that the North East created more jobs than any region in the UK outside of London in 2021-22.
For us, this result is hardly a surprise. The region has long been associated with pioneering ideas. From the first passenger carrying steam locomotive ‘Rocket’ and the earliest use of hydroelectric power, to the invention of the incandescent lightbulb and the steam turbine. But it seems that the North East’s close connection with mining and its well-publicised decline has fuelled an inaccurate, decades long stereotype that the area is in degeneration.
It’s an exciting time to be part of the North East’s economy. It is becoming more and more apparent that the North East is the UK’s and the wider world’s hub for electrification. Nissan – a pioneer of the mass-produced EV with its Leaf – started the trend with its long-rooted presence in Sunderland. Now BritishVolt and Envision AESC are set to build the UK’s first two electric battery gigafactories in the region. An increasing number of electrification technology SMEs are choosing the North East as their home, and we have the likes of the North East Automotive Alliance and the UK-wide DER-IC helping to promote and support sustainable supply chain growth.
Advanced Electric Machines has a lot to thank the North East for. Our journey began with our Chief Executive Officer, Dr James Widmer, completing his PhD at Newcastle University. It was while working together with Dr Andy Steven from the university that James began to research and develop rare earth-free electric motors. In March 2017, Advanced Electric Machines was spun out as a stand-alone company and with the support of locally based experts, such as our Chief Operating Officer, Mike O’Neill, we’ve been able to grow and expand our presence in Tyne and Wear.
Our first production facility was opened in Blaydon, just a few miles outside the centre of Newcastle. We’re now based in Washington, a town roughly halfway between Newcastle and Sunderland. From here we employ a growing skilled and talented team, most of whom are based in and around the area.
There’s no question that the North East is on a positive trajectory, and we’re delighted to play our part.