Strong inward investment maintains momentum for Gateshead jobs market
New figures from Invest Newcastle show that economic activity in the city region continued to support employment last year, with 31 companies choosing Newcastle and Gateshead as a base in 2025/26. That activity is credited with creating 1,619 new jobs and safeguarding a further 611 existing roles.
The numbers encompass a mix of new investors and relocations, together with instances of local expansion. Invest Newcastle reports that an additional 12 businesses chose to expand their operations in the city region during the year.
- New companies locating: 31
- New jobs created: 1,619
- Jobs safeguarded: 611
- Businesses expanding: 12
The organisation overseeing promotion of the area described the steady flow of investment as a positive signal, given the backdrop of global uncertainty and more cautious corporate decision-making. The 2025/26 totals closely mirror the previous year, which saw the same number of new businesses (31) and nine expansions, underlining a degree of stability in inward investment despite wider economic headwinds.
“Businesses are continuing to choose Newcastle and Gateshead as their base of operations despite broader economic headwinds,”
Several notable moves and openings in the period illustrate the range of sectors involved. Among them:
- German industrial services firm Kaefer relocated to the Live Works building on Newcastle Quayside, bringing around 200 jobs.
- Fintech business Modern World Business Solutions announced plans to create approximately 100 roles at Hoults Yard.
- Education and creative sector developments included a new Arden University campus on Newcastle Helix and the opening of LMA Newcastle, a creative campus for music, performance and screen industries.
- Locally significant growth also included the establishment by Pneuma Games Group of Last Arrow Games in Gateshead.
What this means for Gateshead residents
While many of the high-profile relocations are centred on Newcastle addresses, the economic benefits are felt across the wider city region. Job creation and safeguarded roles can support the local labour market, sustain household incomes and feed demand for services in Gateshead. Expansion of education and creative sector facilities may also provide new training and career pathways for residents.
| Measure | 2025/26 |
|---|---|
| Companies locating | 31 |
| Businesses expanding | 12 |
| Jobs created | 1,619 |
| Jobs safeguarded | 611 |
Local leaders will watch closely to see how these headline figures translate into sustained opportunities for Gateshead residents — including the availability of roles at different skill levels, commuting patterns and the creation of training links between employers and local education providers. The continuity of investment compared with the previous year offers a foundation, but converting interest into longer-term, locally based employment will remain a central challenge for civic partners.
