Seagull – The North Sea Connection - is a collaboration project between One NorthEast, Invest in Sweden (ISA), VINNOVA (The Swedish Governmental Agency forInnovation Systems) and The Swedish Agency for Economic and Regional Growth(Tillväxtverket). It was established to facilitate investment and increase trade andknowledge flows between Sweden and North East England. The group is workingtogether in areas where the knowledge and competence in Sweden and North EastEngland complement each other, and is focusing on the following sectors:

• New & Renewable Energy & Cleantech • Biotechnology• Ageing & Health • ICT/Digital Media/Moving Images

The Seagull initiative will assist companies and agencies with:

• Direct investments • Joint ventures• Research & development collaborations • Technology transfers• Business co-operation with third parties • Strategic alliances• EU Co-operation & common EU-calls

One North East – Inward Investment and Aftercare TeamOne North East is the Regional Development Agency (RDA) covering North EastEngland. It was set up in April 1999 to help the people of the North East create andsustain jobs, prosperity and a higher quality of life. Our aim is to build a vibrant, self-reliant, ambitious and outward-looking region by promoting the benefits of living,working and doing business here.

The Inward Investment and Aftercare team at One North East provides a single point of contact for investors, giving access to a network of local knowledge andexpertise, market intelligence and funding opportunities. The team sits at the hub of the knowledge economy in the North East and its skills lie in analysing projects ona case-by-case basis and guiding investors to the most appropriate resources. Working closely with international offices in Japan, China, the USA, Korea, India, Sweden and Norway, the team helps to establish a clear path for investors. Gun-Marie Östedt-Axelsson is the Swedish representative and liaises closely with the Investment team in the North East.

For more information visit: www.northeastengland.co.uk

North EastEngland

Sweden

Seagull The North Sea Connection

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Today the economy of North East England is worth£40.2 billion, making it the fastest-growing economy in the UK (in terms of GVA per head). Over the lastsix years, more than £200m has been invested indeveloping our world-leading expertise in emergingtechnologies, and in the commercial exploitation ofthose technologies.

This considerable investment in North East Englandhas focused on a number of key sectors, promotinginnovation and providing world-class facilities andnew approaches to integrating business and universities. These areas of innovation include LowCarbon Technology, Digital Media & Animation,Process and Chemicals Industries, Engineering andProduction, Healthcare and Life Sciences, Oil and Gas,Emerging Technologies and Professional Services.

Tap into North East England’s Centres of ExcellenceEach of the key sectors is supported by a Centre of Excellence. Each centre provides a focal point for maximising the commercial value of research and new technologies created in the region,representatives of some of the Centres of Excellencesit on the Steering Group for the Seagull project.

The Centre of Excellence for LifeSciences (CELS)Cels provides commercialisation services across the entire spectrum of life sciences, and buildscollaborations, partnerships and commercial ventures in Stem Cells and Cell Therapy, Systemsand Cell Biology (including predictive biology),Biomanufacturing and Bioprocessing, Ageing and Health and Bio Metrology (including bio sensorsand diagnostics).

The New and Renewable Energy Centre (NaREC)NaREC is assisting the development and marketgrowth of new and renewable energy technologiesby helping to bridge the gap between innovationand realisation. NaREC’s unique, world-classfacilities support an extensive range of engineeringapplication services for wind, biomass, wave, tidaland solar applications, including mechanical, marine,systems and electrical engineering.

The Centre for Process Innovation (CPI)CPI develops products, solutions, services andbusinesses in the process and manufacturing sectors.Across its specialist technology areas, CPI deliversa unique portfolio of services to the global businesscommunity: process innovation, consultancy and research, and the formation and managementof development partnerships and joint ventures.

CodeworksCodeworks, the Digital Centre of Excellence, identifiesand backs new technologies and digital mediaapplications to reinforce existing - and establish new - digital industries in North East England.Its main areas of focus are accessibility, gamesdevelopment, grid computing and web-based services.

Looking for a new low risk optionto establish a base in the UK?Take a look at the European Business Centre based at the Fabriam Centre in North East England. The Centre provides the opportunity for companiesto establish a base in the region with minimum riskand the support of an experienced and knowledgeableteam able to assist their business.

Other benefits of the Centre include:

• Temporary desk space in one of the region’smost progressive business centres

• Assistance with identifying available grants andfinancial incentives

• Support in finding suitable permanent premises

• Introduction to networking with the local andnational business community

• Access to a range of local business services

• Administration support

• Business development and marketing support

For more information visit:www.europeanbusinesscentre.co.uk

Swedish representativeGun-Marie is a One North East representative whowill manage lead generation for North East Englandand collaborations for the Seagull project. Gun-Marie is based in Sweden and represents theSwedish market.

North East EnglandKey sectors and opportunities for companies

Gun-Marie Östedt-Axelsson, Telephone: +46 (0)70 28 4 28 16 Email: gog.axelsson@telia.com

www.northeastengland.co.uk

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