Leanne Chambers, Managing Director of NRG.
Newcastle offers strong career opportunities across a diverse and growing economy, with global businesses, innovative start-ups and clear pathways for career progression. Combined with a lower cost of living, shorter commutes and an exceptional quality of life, it is a city where people can build successful careers while enjoying everything the region has to offer.
To gain further insight into the region’s jobs market, we spoke with Leanne Chambers, Managing Director of NRG. For more than 50 years, NRG has supported businesses across the North East with recruitment and talent solutions, working with organisations ranging from ambitious SMEs to global brands.
How would you describe the current jobs market in Newcastle?
I’d describe Newcastle’s jobs market as resilient, evolving and full of opportunity. While businesses across the UK are being more considered about hiring, we’re continuing to see organisations establish and expand operations in the city, creating new opportunities for talent.
We’re continuing to see businesses establish and expand operations here. In 2025/26, 31 new companies established operations across Newcastle and Gateshead and another 12 expanded, supporting more than 1,600 new jobs. That suggests there’s real confidence in the region, and it reflects the strength of Newcastle’s wider business ecosystem.
For candidates, the key message is that Newcastle is becoming an increasingly diverse employment market. It’s no longer associated with just a handful of traditional industries; there are growing career pathways across innovative, future-facing sectors.
Which sectors are seeing the strongest growth and demand for talent?
Newcastle’s job market continues to see growth in skilled and specialist roles, particularly across technology and digital, including software, data, AI and cyber, as well as professional services such as finance, accountancy, legal, HR and wider business services.
We’re also seeing exciting growth across energy, engineering, advanced manufacturing, life sciences, space and defence, which shows how broad the region’s opportunities are. Newcastle has developed strong sector clusters and businesses increasingly recognise the region as a place where they can access specialist talent and grow.
What makes Newcastle an attractive destination for professionals considering a career move?
I think Newcastle offers a combination that’s increasingly difficult to find: genuine career opportunities alongside a high quality of life.
While it may not have the sheer volume of vacancies you’d see in London, what Newcastle offers is a very attractive balance. There are increasingly sophisticated career opportunities across growing sectors such as technology, professional services, energy and life sciences, while also offering the benefits of living in a compact, well-connected city.
Professionals benefit from shorter commutes, accessible housing, a vibrant cultural and social scene, and easy access to the coast and countryside. The city is also home to major employers, innovative businesses and two leading universities that help drive research and innovation.
Increasingly, people are looking beyond their next role and considering where they can build a sustainable future over the next five or ten years. Newcastle offers that combination of career progression, quality of life and long-term opportunity in a way few cities can.
What opportunities do you see emerging in the city over the next few years?
I think there are several areas to watch.
Technology will continue to shape the future jobs market, particularly in AI, data, automation and cyber security, creating opportunities across almost every sector. We’re also seeing significant momentum in energy and sustainability, life sciences, advanced manufacturing, professional services, space and defence.
Newcastle ranked sixth among UK locations outside London for foreign direct investment in 2025, which is encouraging for the future employment pipeline. Continued investment from both UK and international businesses is helping to create new opportunities across a range of high-value sectors, giving professionals confidence that they can build long-term careers in the region.
What advice would you give to someone considering relocating to Newcastle for work?
I would suggest looking beyond the immediate vacancy to understand the wider market. Research which employers are based here, which businesses are investing and which sectors are expanding.
I’d also encourage people to spend some proper time here. Explore Newcastle itself, but also look at the coast, Northumberland and the wider region.
Don’t assume you need to wait until you’ve secured a job to start your research. Building relationships with recruiters and employers before moving can give you a much clearer picture of your options. Speak to people working in your sector, as well as those who have already relocated, and get a feel for the professional networks that exist here.
Are you interested in what Newcastle can offer? Contact our team today invest@experiencenee.co.uk or visit our website to learn more about the career and lifestyle Newcastle can offer you.
Learn more about NRG on their website. Contact Leanne Chambers here.
