norway

The Norwegian marketplace is small, especially for new and emerging technology companies. With many countries, the size of the market is a reflection of the total population, and with 4.5 million people in a geographically widely spread country, the Norwegian market is, by definition, limited. Of course, Norwegian companies can always turn to the rest of Scandinavia when looking to export, as a near common language and geographical proximity are important issues to any organisation seeking to expand its sales reach.

united kingdom

The United Kingdom can be seen as a vast market in its own right. Thanks to its geographic and political proximity to the rest of Europe, the UK is an ideal stepping-stone to one of the world's largest marketplaces. Moreover, because of Britain 's special relationship with the US , the UK represents the logical starting point for organisations contemplating a move into the American market. And remember, the UK is Norway 's largest trading partner, with a two-way trade of over NOK 130 billion.

technology

With Innovative and Information Technology in particular, speed and control of market entry are vital elements to consider - especially when the reward is a significant market share for your leading edge products or services. And, because Norwegian companies are renowned for their innovative and exciting IT products, the UK offers a ready made market in which to flourish.

the north east of england

The North East of England has proven itself to be one of the most dynamic regions in Europe.
The international connections are strong. Over 500 overseas companies have chosen to locate their business in the Region and overall over 40% of manufacturing output is exported to Europe and beyond. Major investors include BT, British Airways, EDS, Electrolux, Nike, Nissan, Ondeo, Orange, Philips, Procter & Gamble, Sage and Siemens Business Services.

Statistics:

• Population: 2.5 million
• Working Population: 0.9 million
• Area: 8,592 sq km.

Major Towns & Cities

• Darlington
• Durham
• Middlesbrough
• Newcastle
• Sunderland.

Key Business Sectors

• Automotive
• BioScience
• Business Services
• Digital Media
• Chemicals
• Engineering
• Food Processing
• Micro Electronics
• Pharmaceuticals
• Software
• Offshore
• Technology

International Investment

There are now 575 overseas companies in the Region. Over the last 10 years there have been over 600 investment projects creating or safeguarding 87,000 jobs and attracting £14.5 billion of investment.

Universities

There are five universities in the Region, Durham, Newcastle, Northumbria, Sunderland and Teesside.
All are recognised for the quality of their teaching, research projects and their links with businesses.

Graduates (2001)

• Business Studies: 2,302
• Engineering: 967
• Finance: 235 IT: 776
• Languages: 949
• Others:9,428
• Total: 14,657

Norwegian Investment

There are 25 Norwegian companies in the Region operating in many business sectors.
The major investors include:
• Aker Kvaerner
• Jotron Kauli Kenmore (Laiberg)
• Norsk Hydro
• Nutec Rubb Industri

Norwegian Links

Bergen and Newcastle
Stavanger and Sunderland
Time, Bryne and Alnwick
Norwegian British Chamber of Commerce (North East)
The Royal Norwegian Consulate in Newcastle upon Tyne

Communications

There are over 20 trains a day to London.
Two international airports with frequent flights to London (Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted)
Direct flights to many European cities.

The North East of England - keypoints

• Offers a low risk stepping stone for businesses from Norway entering Europe

• Has already welcomed many successful Norwegian household names

• Provides easy access to a huge UK market

• Has a stable and skilled work force which is easily accessible

• Is geographically and culturally close to Norway with a benefit of low cost travel routes

• Supports the Norwegian Collaboration Centre

• Supports a range of organisations able to help Norwegian technology companies entering the UK

• Experience has shown that the ideal location for the first step in Internationalisation is the NE of England.

The Norwegian Collaboration Centre • Fabriam Centre • Atmel Way • Middle Engine Lane • Newcastle upon Tyne • NE28 9NZ • UK
Tel: + 44 (0) 191 280 4682 • Fax: + 44 (0) 709 212 5710 • E-mail: info@norway2uk.com