Darlington has again benefitted from the government’s levelling up agenda following today’s announcement the Department for International Trade (DIT) is setting up four trade investment hubs, one of which is going to be in the North East town.

The hubs in Edinburgh, Cardiff, Belfast and a new second major DIT site in Darlington, will be established as part of the government’s new strategy which it hopes will boost exports from future free trade agreements with the US, Australia, New Zealand and other Pacific Rim countries.

Each hub will be home to teams of export and investment specialists, who can provide businesses with expert support and advice to help them:

  • Maximise their export potential and boost their trade in new markets overseas
  • Better access major trade markets like India, the US and Japan
  • Feed directly into DIT’s free trade agreements programme

International Trade Secretary Liz Truss said: “I’m determined to use UK trade policy to benefit every part of the UK. These Trade and Investment Hubs will help this country to an export and jobs-led recovery.

“They will mean we can channel investment into all corners of the country, and that exporters – whether they’re selling Scotch beef, Welsh Lamb or cars made in the North of England – have access to the expertise they need to sell into the fastest growing markets.”

A total 550 staff are expected to be present in the hubs by 2025, with an ambition to increase this to 750 staff by 2030. An existing DIT Hub in Edinburgh announced in September last year, will see a significant increase in headcount following its relaunch today.

The new trade hubs will also support the launch of high-profile export campaigns due to launch later this year, that will seek to maximise export potential and boost UK enterprise in global markets, following the recent launch of the food and drink export campaign. Last year, goods exports from the North of England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland were £98.4bn.