The Glasshouse

Andy Haldane CBE brings together major employers to explore strategies for regional prosperity.

Leading figures from the North East business community came together at The Glasshouse International Centre for Music on Friday 30 January for a Business Champions Networking Breakfast, exploring strategies for growth in 2026 and the region’s economic future.

The event was chaired by Andy Haldane CBE, Chair of The Glasshouse, former Chief Economist at the Bank of England and incoming President of the British Chambers of Commerce. He brought together CEOs and senior leaders from Northumbrian Water, KAEFER, Atom Bank and Sage Group to discuss their regional ambitions.

Speakers at the breakfast shared:

• Northumbrian Water’s ambitions for ‘Net Zero North East England’
• KAEFER’s major construction projects and commitment to regional workforce development
• Atom Bank’s fintech innovation in digital retail banking
• Sage Group’s role in the North East AI ecosystem and implications for the local tech workforce

Recent analysis shows the North East’s productivity grew faster than the UK average between 2019-2023*, driven particularly by strength in manufacturing and construction.

Speaking to the role that culture plays, Andy Haldane CBE, Chair of The Glasshouse, said:

“The North East’s recent productivity gains show what can be achieved when strong industries are rooted in place. But productivity isn’t just about investment and infrastructure – it’s about people. Culture helps attract talent, spark ideas and build confidence in a region’s future. Institutions like The Glasshouse play a vital role in turning economic momentum into sustainable growth by anchoring it in creativity, identity and community.”

Evenna Ottey Director of Strategy & Execution UKIA for the Sage Group focused on the unique role that the North East in bringing together people, passion and culture to form a sustainable future:

“Culture and business are not separate conversations. They are deeply connected. Places like the Glasshouse matter because they shape identity, attract talent and signal confidence. They tell the world that this is a region that values creativity, expression and connection … and those things are powerful drivers of growth.”

The Glasshouse, the largest cultural charity in the region, has contributed £1bn to the North East economy over 20 years. Through its Business Champions programme, businesses support not just live music, but community, creativity, education and the wider regional economy. As a not-for-profit organisation championing live music, music education and creativity, The Glasshouse supports thousands of young people to learn music each year – most at no cost to them.

The event demonstrated how cultural infrastructure can serve as a convening space for regional business leaders, supporting jobs and skills while making the North East a destination for both culture and commerce.

ENDS

Press enquiries: Jackie.thompson@theglasshouseicm.org, Senior Communications Manager

Event photos available to download here. Please contact Jackie Thompson if you would like any further images from the event.

*Productivity data from ‘What is driving the economy of the North East?‘ by JP Spencer, Future North, January 2025. Analysis shows Northumberland, Durham and Tyne & Wear (North East Combined Authority area) recorded productivity growth above UK average 2019-2023, driven particularly by manufacturing (up 7% vs UK decline of 1%) and construction.

About Andy Haldane
Andy Haldane CBE has a career spanning public service, policy, and economic development. He served as Chief Economist at the Bank of England, Permanent Secretary for Levelling Up, and most recently, Chief Executive of the Royal Society of Arts – a global organisation that creates platforms, opportunities, and networks to build world-changing actions. Among other roles, he is Chancellor of the University of Sheffield, President and Founder of the charity Pro Bono Economics, Chair of the National Numeracy Leadership Council, Chair of the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC), a contributing editor at the Financial Times, Chief Economic Advisor at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), and a member of the advisory board of the Bradford Literature Festival and the South Yorkshire Mayor’s Economic Advisory Council. Haldane is also the incoming President of the British Chambers of Commerce.

Born in the North East and a lifelong supporter of Sunderland AFC, Haldane also has a strong personal connection to music – he’s a passionate music lover whose father was a professional musician.

About The Glasshouse International Centre for Music

The Glasshouse International Centre for Music is a home for live music lovers.

It’s a place where you can hear rock legends or pop icons on the same night as folk trios or string quartets. Where new musicians are nurtured and showcased on the same stages as platinum-selling performers. And where youth choirs and tambourine-shaking toddlers practise in the same spaces as its acclaimed orchestra, Royal Northern Sinfonia.

Because as an international centre for music they’re focused on creating and celebrating outstanding music – whether that’s unearthing or growing talent from the region or bringing the world’s best artists to their stages. And as a charity they’re focused on making sure all of that is available to anyone – no matter where you’re from, how old you are, how much money you have, or what challenges you face.

Which is why every year more than 2 million people are able to join for top-notch gigs, concerts, and classes – in their venue at Gateshead Quays, out in communities across the North East, and through livestreamed performances and digital lessons.

Whether you’re making it up or taking it in, you’ll find music lives and grows there.

More about The Glasshouse International Centre for Music

Since opening in 2004, The Glasshouse has hosted over 10,000 performances, welcoming nearly 5 million audience members and a total of 8 million visitors through its doors. It would take more than 27 years to see every show if you attended one every day.

Over two decades, the charity has delivered around 233,000 music lessons, reaching young people and adults 2.8 million times across its education programmes (1.8 million of which were young people).

As its resident orchestra, Royal Northern Sinfonia has toured globally, performing across four continents and livestreaming to audiences across five. Royal Northern Sinfonia also continues to bring world-class music to communities across the country, with 58% of performances in “levelling up for culture” areas.

The Glasshouse has supported the careers of thousands of artists like Ward Thomas who have worked their way from free stages to headline shows in its main hall, achieving national and global recognition.

A recent report quantified its annual social value through education, inclusion and community programmes at £14.1 million.

Since 2004, The Glasshouse has welcomed over 400,000 delegates for conferences and events, hosting organisations such as Greggs, NHS, and British Engines. Through conferences and events it has generated £10.6 million, helping to fund the venue and support live music and education programmes.

Over the past two decades, The Glasshouse has generated £681.2million to the UK economy with £38.6m each year in ongoing impact. It supports 700 jobs directly and indirectly.

The iconic building, designed by Foster + Partners, has 630 panes of glass and stands 40 metres tall. In its opening year, it was exhibited at the Venice Biennale and won the RIBA Inclusive Design Award in 2005.

Celebrating 20 years – In December 2024, The Glasshouse marked its 20th birthday. Over the next year, the charity will reflect on two decades of achievements and look ahead to its third decade, with major initiatives like the Music Academy and Music Pass for newborns, making music accessible to all.