Northumberland Partnership celebrates a year of impact
More than 80 representatives from across the public, private and voluntary sectors came together to celebrate the first year of delivery of the Economic Inactivity Trailblazer Programme.
The Northumberland Partnership Showcase event highlighted a year of strong progress with partners working collaboratively to connect businesses with tailored recruitment support, skills provision and local talent. The joined-up approach is helping businesses to grow while supporting residents to access new opportunities to build a stronger and more inclusive local economy.
Funded by the North East Combined Authority, the programme is already making a meaningful difference across Northumberland. From major inward investment to local business growth, partners shared inspiring examples of how collaboration is driving real change and supporting both employers and residents to thrive.
Looking ahead, Northumberland’s Economic Strategy 2025–2035 sets out an ambitious vision for the county, including the creation of 11,000 new jobs over the next decade. This long-term focus is being matched by practical support on the ground, helping people take confident steps into training and employment.
A key success has been the introduction of the Employability Triage service, making it easier than ever for residents to access the right support for their skills, employment and wellbeing needs. By simplifying pathways and strengthening partnerships, the service is helping more people move forward with confidence.
Councillor Richard Wearmouth, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, said: “The Economic Inactivity Trailblazer has given us the opportunity to think innovatively about how we work together as a sector.
“By collaborating more closely, we can reach more residents, help people access the right support, and support their journey into training and employment.
“The launch of the Work Smart Live Well Network will create a valuable space for services, employers, training providers and wellbeing organisations to come together to make a real difference in Northumberland.”
Over the past year, the partnership has also strengthened the wider employability network across Northumberland enhancing collaboration, expanding support services, and working closely with businesses to meet recruitment needs and unlock local talent.
The event also marked an exciting milestone with the launch of the new Work Smart Live Well Network, developed in collaboration with Thriving Together. The network will bring together employers, training providers, employability services and wellbeing organisations to further strengthen coordination and maximise impact, supported by new communications channels and a dedicated website.
The event concluded with a networking lunch, giving partners the opportunity to celebrate achievements, share ideas and build momentum for the year ahead.
For more information about the programme, visit: www.worksmartlivewell.co.uk