Strengthening Business Support for Inclusive Growth in the North East

AT A GLANCE Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are central to the North East economy, driving innovation, jobs and local wealth. Yet many entrepreneurs face persistent barriers to growth, including limited access to finance, difficulties recruiting skilled workers, and the challenge of navigating rapidly evolving technologies. At the same time, the policy landscape is shifting. The UK Government’s Backing Your Business plan places SME growth at the heart of national economic strategy, while the North East Local Growth Plan prioritises building a stronger regional economy. This creates a clear opportunity to strengthen the region’s business support system. This briefing draws on research with 62 entrepreneurs from across the North East, alongside analysis of national policy frameworks and academic evidence. It highlights the key barriers businesses face and identifies practical ways to strengthen business support so that entrepreneurs can access the right help at the right stage of growth.