Key Announcements Create New Employment Opportunities in the Region
This year has witnessed the creation of hundreds of jobs in the North East, driven by various investments across fields such as automotive batteries and payment technology.
Despite a tumultuous job market in 2025, several major announcements provided a glimmer of hope. Below are some notable job creation stories that have emerged this year.
Jatco
In a year fraught with challenges for Nissan, the establishment of a new Jatco factory adjacent to the Sunderland plant served as a positive development. This transmission manufacturer, a subsidiary of the Japanese automotive giant, is set to commence operations in 2026.
Approximately 180 positions have been created, supported by a £12 million grant from the government. The workforce will be instrumental in producing roughly 340,000 electric powertrains annually.
This advanced technology modularizes key components, yielding lighter and more compact drivetrains, thereby enhancing Nissan’s upcoming lineup of electric vehicles.
Jatco’s CEO, Tomoyoshi Sato, expressed aspirations for the facility to eventually supply other major European automotive players, including Volkswagen and BMW. Former Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds echoed optimism, noting that Jatco’s investment would secure hundreds of jobs in the area.
Assystem
Nuclear engineering firm Assystem announced in July the creation of approximately 200 jobs at its North East base. The French company has secured projects at Sizewell C and plays a pivotal role in the UK’s nuclear new-build initiative.
These positions will arise at its Southwith, Sunderland location, which currently employs 81 individuals, as part of a strategic plan to double the workforce within the next five years.
Simon Barber, Managing Director of Assystem UK, indicated that Sizewell C is expected to generate further job opportunities in the North East. He remarked, “Our strong regional presence in the UK is paving the way for job creation through sites like Sunderland, where remote engineering and project management will be conducted.”
Siemens Energy
A historic Tyneside industrial site has welcomed new jobs following Siemens Energy’s announcement of an expansion at its Parsons Works site, dedicated to the manufacture of protection and control panels for electrical substations.
This expansion will introduce positions in strategic leadership and technical roles, enhancing the existing workforce of 550 at the facility. The power engineering specialist noted substantial demand stemming from enhancements to grid connections and renewable energy pursuits nationwide.
Darren Davidson, Vice President of Siemens Energy UK&I, stated: “Our expansion in Newcastle underscores our commitment to fortifying the local supply chain while advancing skill development within the region and across the UK. This sophisticated facility is poised to elevate operational efficiency and production capacity for substation projects.”
Neptune North
Fintech firm Neptune North is in the process of recruiting for over 100 positions at its new Newcastle office, a move announced in November. The company is on the lookout for data engineers and software developers for its premises on the 8th floor of Bank House.
Established in 2024 as a collaboration between Rokos Capital Management and Oliver Wyman, Neptune North has experienced rapid growth since finalizing its space acquisition last May, prompting an aggressive recruitment strategy.
CEO James Beard articulated the goal to attract top-tier talent to the Newcastle base, stating, “As we continue to recruit high-caliber individuals from across the UK and internationally, it is crucial that we offer an exemplary workspace. We operate five days a week in the office and have already made nearly 50 hires.”
AESC
This past September, automotive battery manufacturer AESC announced a recruitment drive for hundreds of positions at its upcoming Sunderland gigafactory. Chancellor Rachel Reeves visited the site, which is currently under construction and has received £350 million in guarantees from the National Wealth Fund.
The facility aims to produce batteries that will power Nissan’s electric vehicles, with annual projections indicating support for up to 100,000 vehicles. This venture signifies a formidable expansion for AESC, which inaugurated Europe’s inaugural gigafactory nearby in 2012.
The new facility is anticipated to create approximately 1,000 jobs. AESC’s CEO, Shoichi Matsumoto, remarked: “This investment represents a significant milestone in our commitment to facilitate the UK’s transition towards a decarbonized future and the electric vehicle market.”
“Through collaborative efforts with strategic partners, we endeavor to accelerate this transition while generating quality local employment and nurturing a resilient, sustainable supply chain. We take pride in our role in advancing a low-carbon economy using our innovative battery technologies.”
Iamproperty
At the start of the year, Iamproperty, based in Gosforth, detailed intentions to create over 100 positions in response to the burgeoning demand for property auctions. The company, specializing in auction technology and residential conveyancing, is poised for significant growth.
Co-founder Ben Ridgway called for applicants for numerous new legal roles, advocating for a modernized property market. He emphasized the aim of making the moving process “more efficient, expedient, and secure for all stakeholders involved.”
Ridgway added, Market dynamics have made auctions pivotal for buyers seeking swift transactions to capitalize on Stamp Duty savings.
This focus is driving our current recruitment initiatives; however, opportunities will proliferate across multiple sectors as we continue to realize our ecosystem vision for transformative change in the property arena.
Modern World Business Solutions
The payments technology enterprise has established over 100 jobs with the inauguration of its Newcastle office. The Cambridgeshire firm is laying the groundwork for expansion at its Hoults Yard location.
Recruitment spans sales, customer service, and technical support roles, promising flexible working arrangements, developmental initiatives, and what the company terms “high-impact career advancement.”
These positions are crucial to the company’s mission of establishing the infrastructure essential for other fintech organizations. CEO Warren Whitfield noted impressive growth over the past three years, explaining that Newcastle will supply the talent necessary to sustain this trajectory.
Source link: Chroniclelive.co.uk.
