Nat Edington, chief executive at Sedgefield-based radio frequency parts maker Filtronic, reflects on the firm’s spate of headline global contract successes, the continued value of its NETPark home and how the business is planning to maintain its growth trajectory across 2026 and beyond.

From further fall-out in the argument about what it takes to be a true patriot, to the impact on the North East of stalled shipping sustainability plans, Steven Hugill looks at some of the stories affecting the region’s news agenda.

After a bruising year defined by policy U-turns and leadership upheaval, the Autumn Budget represents a moment of truth for the Government. What measures must Chancellor Rachel Reeves include in the headline late November fiscal blueprint to convince businesses, markets and voters that Labour still has a credible plan for growth?