We round up some of the key announcements from this year which brought new jobs to the region
The new Jatco UK facility at the International Advanced Manufacturing Park (IAMP).(Image: Jatco)
Hundreds of jobs have been created in the North East this year. In everything from automotive batteries to payments tech – a range of investments has prompted opportunities for workers.
While the job market suffered its challenges in 2025, several big announcements in the North East gave us some cause for optimism. Here are some of the top job creation stories we covered this year.
Jatco
Amid a difficult year for Nissan, the news that Jatco would set up a new factory beside the Sunderland plant was a welcome boost. The transmission maker is owned by the Japanese car giant and is in the process of setting up the factory which is expected to be operational in 2026.
The move has created about 180 jobs, having attracted about £12m of Government grant funding. Those workers will play a part in producing about 340,000 electric powertrains per year.
The technology modularises and integrates the motor, inverter and reducer, and is said to make the drivetrains smaller and lighter. It will support Nissan’s new range of electric vehicles.
Jatco boss Tomoyoshi Sato told us he hoped the facility could be developed to supply other European automotive customers such as Volkswagen and BMW, in the future. Former business secretary Jonathan Reynolds said the Jatco investment would secure hundreds of jobs in the region.
Assystem
Nuclear engineering group Assystem announced in July that about 200 jobs would be created at its North East base. The French firm has landed work at Sizewell C and is already a major player in the UK’s nuclear new-build programme.
The jobs are being created at its Southwith, Sunderland base which already employs 81 people. It is part of a push to double Assystem’s workforce over the next five years.
Simon Barber, managing director of Assystem UK, said Sizewell C is expected to stimulate hundreds of jobs in the North East in the coming years. He said: “We have a strong regional presence in the UK, and this means job creation from sites like Sunderland where remote engineering and project management work will be taking place.”
Darren Davidson is vice president of Siemens Energy UK&I.(Image: Sean Spencer)
Siemens Energy
New jobs came to a historic industrial site on Tyneside when Siemens Energy announced the expansion of its Parsons Works site, where it makes protection and control panels for electricity substations.
The mix of jobs included strategic leadership and technical roles – adding to the firm’s 550-strong workforce at the facility. The power engineering specialist said significant demand was coming from upgrades to grid connections and renewable energy projects across the country.
Darren Davidson, vice president Siemens Energy UK&I, said: “Our expansion in Newcastle demonstrates Siemens Energy’s commitment to strengthening the local supply chain and enhancing skill development in the region and across the UK. This cutting-edge facility will significantly boost operational efficiency and production capacity, for the supply of protection and control panels on substation projects.”
Neptune North
Fintech Neptune North is recruiting to its new Newcastle office, having announced in November that it plans to create more than 100 jobs in the city. Data engineers and software developers are being sought for the base, on the 8th floor of Bank House.
Neptune North was set up in 2024 as a collaborative venture between investment fund manager Rokos Capital Management and management consulting global leader Oliver Wyman. After securing some space last May, the business has experienced significant growth, triggering a recruitment drive and the new lease for a substantial portion of office space.
Last month, Neptune’s CEO, James Beard, set out his ambition to attract top talent at the Newcastle base. He said: “As we continue to recruit high-calibre individuals from across the UK and overseas, it is vital that we provide a workplace of exceptional standard. We operate five days a week in the office and have already made nearly 50 appointments.”
Shoichi Matsumoto, AESC Global CEO, at the start of construction on AESC’s second Sunderland Electric Vehicle Gigafactory(Image: North News & Pictures Ltd nort)
AESC
In September, automotive battery maker AESC announced it was starting recruitment for hundreds of jobs at its new Sunderland gigafactory. Chancellor Rachel Reeves travelled to Wearside to tour the facility under construction which received £350m in guarantees from the National Wealth Fund.
The plant will supply batteries for Nissan’s electric vehicles, with projections suggesting up to 100,000 vehicles annually could be powered. It is a major expansion for AESC, which set up Europe’s first gigafactory nearby, in 2012.
The new facility is estimated to support 1,000 jobs. AESC’s CEO, Shoichi Matsumoto, said: “This investment marks a key milestonein AESC’s ongoing efforts to support the UK’s path towards decarbonisation and the expansion of its EV market.
“Through close collaboration with strategic partners, we strive to accelerate this transition while creating high-quality local jobs and building a resilient, sustainable supply chain. We are honoured to contribute to the development of a low-carbon economy with our advanced battery technologies.”
Iamproperty
Early in the year, Gosforth’s Iamproperty set out ambitions to create more than 100 jobs in a move to capitalise on the growing demand for property auctions. The firm provides technology for the auction process and also runs a residential conveyancing arm.
Co-founder Ben Ridgway announced a number of new legal roles and called for applicants who wanted to be part of an effort to modernise the property market. He said the firm wants to make the moving process “better, faster and more secure for everyone involved”.
Mr Ridgway added: “The market conditions mean that auction is helping support buyers with quick sales to make Stamp duty savings and is the current focus of our recruitment efforts. However, we will be creating opportunities in multiple areas as we continue to realise our ecosystem vision to drive real change in the property market.”
Alex Hay deputy leader of Newcastle City Council (left) with Warren Whitfield, CEO and founder of Modern World Business Solutions.(Image: Modern World Business Solutions)
Modern World Business Solutions
The payments technology firm has created more than 100 jobs with the launch of its Newcastle office. The Cambridgeshire company said it was laying the foundations for expansion with its Hoults Yard office.
Positions in sales, customer service and technical support were being recruited this year. The jobs include flexible working arrangements, development programmes and what the business has called “high impact career advancement”.
Those workers will help the company’s mission to provide the infrastructure behind other fintechs. Warren Whitfield, CEO and founder, said it had experienced rapid growth over the past three years and that Newcastle would give it the right people to support that trend.
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