The North East of England: place, economy and people

This chapter introduces the North East of England: its people, industries, economy, how it is governed, how it compares to other regions and its future outlook. The idea of the North East is traced to its origins, uncovering the various layers of sub and supra regional devolution that frame its governance today. A thumbnail portrait of the North East region’s geography, industry, heritage and culture outlines its economic trajectory from ‘coal to call centres and ships to microchips’, and highlights the often forgotten two thirds of the region that are rural, rich in environmental assets and growing in population. While emphasising the challenges and vulnerabilities of the region, the account also points to its distinct identity and cultural renaissance through flagship projects in places including Newcastle upon Tyne, Durham, Sunderland, and Middlesbrough. The chapter ends with a consideration of the region’s prospects during Covid-19 and post-Brexit.