A leading North East investment firm has partnered with Community Foundation North East to support the region’s first ever North East Roots Homecoming, an event series designed to celebrate global success stories with North East origins and encourage fresh economic investment into the region.
Newcastle-based Develop North PLC, which is managed by fund specialists Tier One Capital, said the Homecoming programme represents “a unique opportunity to connect ambition, talent and capital with the region’s future”.
Ian McElroy, Chief Executive of Tier One Capital and Director of Develop North PLC, said Homecoming is “a fantastic opportunity to showcase the ambition and talent that makes the North East such a vibrant place to live, work and invest.”
Running from 5–8 December, the initiative will bring together people with strong links to the region for networking events, cultural showcases and a flagship summit aimed at engaging diaspora communities and boosting inward investment.
Develop North’s Residential and Real Estate Fund Manager, Jackie Fitzgerald, will join the Homecoming Summit at Northumbria University as a panellist to discuss the international reach of the region and the role of investment in regeneration. Later that evening, Advisory Board member Michelle Percy will present a Homecoming Award at Newcastle’s Boiler Shop, recognising a local business for its success and its contribution to the community.
Since 2017, Develop North PLC has deployed nearly £90m into more than 43 development projects, supporting over 12,000 jobs and delivering more than £280m in Gross Development Value — two-thirds of which has been invested in North East schemes.
John Hollingsworth, Chief Philanthropy Officer at Community Foundation North East, said the support from Develop North is vital. “Homecoming is about more than celebration — it’s about connection and commitment. By engaging our global North East community, we can unlock investment, ideas and opportunities for the region we love.”
