The North East Combined Authority has launched a call for ambitious businesses to join their Climb UK 2026 delegation – with a unique opportunity to network with investors, build partnerships, and develop the skills to accelerate growth.
The call asks businesses from across the region to submit a short video pitch for the chance to join a delegation of 10 innovative North East businesses wanting to scale and grow.
Climb UK, supported by NatWest and British Business Bank, seeks to give high-growth potential companies access to investors, and aims to develop the investment culture outside of London.
Selected businesses will receive mentoring and support from the Combined Authority to get them ‘Climb-ready’ and confident to pitch their businesses to eager investors at Climb UK.
Phil Witcherley, Director Economic Growth & Innovation at the North East Combined Authority said:
“We’ve got a fantastic opportunity to showcase some of the North East’s most exciting businesses on a national stage and help them drive sustainable growth. We of course want to open that opportunity to scalable businesses from right across the region and to support our home-grown entrepreneurs to be investment ready.
“This is about backing our own talent and building an investment culture at home, where leaders have the skills and tools to grow. In doing so, we’re showing why the North East is open and ready for investment.”
Entries will be reviewed by a panel of regional business stakeholders, including Mutha Cuva, a North East business that attended Climb 2025 and experienced the investment opportunities at the conference.
Amy Mooney, Founder of Mutha Cuva, said:
“I’ve seen first-hand the opportunity that Climb UK creates, which helped me attract the investment to scale my business. Now, we’re sharing that opportunity with more business leaders. A three-minute pitch is all it takes to change your business’ future.”
Businesses are invited to submit a three‑minute video pitch outlining their growth ambition, innovation, and investment potential. This will be judged, and 10 winning teams will be invited to join the North East Combined Authority’s delegation at Climb 2026.
Pitches should be emailed to info@northeastgrowthhub.co.uk by Tuesday 31 March.