Discover our land campaign launched to promote Northumberland

Northumberland County Council has launched an exciting new campaign called Discover our Land to build a community of people to champion everything that is great about the county.

The campaign comes just weeks after Northumberland was named the ‘Best UK Holiday County/Destination of the Year’*, and will shine a light on the county as somewhere to visit, to raise a family, to build a career and to establish, invest and grow a business.

Discover our Land was unveiled to the Northumberland business community today (Friday 18 January) at Close House in Northumberland, and is being backed by businesses big and small with a presence in the county, including Hepple Gin, Tharsus, DeepOcean and Northern Wilds.

Encouraging start-ups, business growth and international trade in Northumberland is one of the key aims of the campaign, which will showcase some of the county’s leading businesses to inspire more entrepreneurs to create jobs and economic prosperity.

Campaign stars feature in a series of videos including Blyth Tall Ship, Kielder Dark Sky Park, Tharsus, Newcastle International Airport and The Old Boat House Group. A dedicated Discover our Land website will act as a shopfront to all that’s great about Northumberland, and be the content hub for the digital-led campaign that will be run across social media, and national and regional online media channels.

This exciting new campaign will issue a rallying cry to inspire people to be part of Northumberland’s story, as told by the people who know it best – those that are proud to live, work, visit or invest here.

Cath Homer, cabinet member for culture, libraries, leisure and tourism from Northumberland County Council said: “Our approach has focused on promoting Northumberland in a new way, of telling a strong and bold story about what we have to offer and what makes us unique. We’ve been on a journey of discovery ourselves, and we’ve unearthed some amazing and inspirational stories – of success, of ideas, of adventure, and of community – but most of all stories of pride.

“Everyone should have the opportunity to contribute and feel proud to be involved in the campaign, and we’ll be using social media to spread the word as told by those that know best, putting our people at the very heart of Discover our Land.”

Speaking at the event, Leader of Northumberland County Council, Councillor Peter Jackson, said: “Northumberland is the place for prosperity and innovation. We are a county that boasts international leaders in industry, investment-ready locations, welcoming communities, a rich history and proud heritage, and globally significant tourist attractions, culture and landscapes.

“It’s an exciting time for change in Northumberland, and our ambition for economic growth reflects this. Today we invited leading businesses to back Discover our Land to make sure they benefit from growing interest in Northumberland, that helps them flourish and grow, employ local people who are proud to work there, attract new talent that want to build a career and live here. We believe the time is now for Northumberland, and we’re inviting others to play their part.”

Campaign ambassadors who spoke at the launch included renowned North East businessman Graham Wylie CBE; award-winning entrepreneur Brian Palmer from Blyth-based Tharsus; and Tony Gates, Northumberland National Park chief executive who moved to Northumberland 12 years ago.

Speakers were joined by property developer Sir John Hall and Caroline Theobald CBE for a panel discussion on the campaign’s potential to drive business growth and investment in Northumberland, and why they’re passionate about the county.

James Ramsbotham CBE, chief executive of the North East England Chamber of Commerce, who has also become an ambassador for Discover our Land, welcomed the campaign and said: “Northumberland with its spectacular hills and glorious coastline offers so much to potential investors. The desire to build on the county’s proud industrial heritage has seen businesses from every sector thrive over recent years, taking advantage of highly skilled and dedicated people, plentiful space and natural resources together with the warmest of welcomes.

“Well-connected through Newcastle International Airport and the Ports of Blyth and Tyne, Northumberland is perfect for enterprises with global ambitions. The Chamber welcomes this initiative and its positive impact during such uncertain national times.”

For more information on Discover our Land, visit www.discoverourland.co.uk and follow on social media at @discovernland on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.