Meet our development partners
Elliott Associates
Development PartnerElliott Associates is a UK based chartered surveying and construction consultancy headquartered in Gateshead, serving the Tyne and Wear region. Established in 1988, it operates as a small, locally focused practice that delivers specialist expertise to companies in a variety of sectors. The firm provides quantity surveying, cost consultancy, project management and contract administration services, working collaboratively to ensure value and effective project delivery. Their portfolio includes supporting regional developments for educational institutions around the North of England and beyond – and our Energy Academy expansion is the latest project to which they have lent their expertise. With their support, the expanded Energy Academy will be able to almost double its teaching capacity upon completion, offering new specialist training to a new generation of skilled workers in one of the fastest-growing industries in the North East.
Fairhurst
Development PartnerFairhurst is a major UK based multidisciplinary consultancy specialising in civil and structural engineering design and related technical services. Operating nationwide, the firm employs several hundred staff and supports projects across diverse sectors. In Tyne and Wear, Fairhurst provides integrated engineering, planning and environmental services to deliver sustainable development schemes. Its work includes supporting education infrastructure and contributing to energy sector projects, which make it uniquely situated to collaborate with Newcastle College on the Energy Academy expansion.
North East Mayoral Strategic Authority
Development PartnerThe North East Mayoral Strategic Authority (NEMSA) is a regional, combined mayoral authority responsible for strategic governance across North East England, including Tyne and Wear. Alongside policies driving economic growth, NEMSA delivers programmes to enhance education and workforce skills, working with colleges, employers and training providers to improve access to good jobs in leading industries. By collaborating with the Energy Academy expansion, NEMSA supports regional growth in renewable energy training, including investment in specialist facilities and resources that develop skills for offshore, subsea and low-carbon industries. As a result, the North East will remain an energy engineering powerhouse for years to come, thanks in part to the next generation of skilled energy professionals who will be taught at Newcastle College.
North Tyneside Council
Development PartnerNorth Tyneside Council is a local government authority serving the borough of North Tyneside in Tyne and Wear. The council delivers public services and strategic development initiatives for all communities within North Tyneside, including the Energy Academy site in Wallsend and its major recruitment areas. Through its Employment and Skills provision, the Council supports education, training and workforce development via adult learning programmes, apprenticeships and careers advice services for young people and adults. It works with employers and partners to improve access to jobs, build employability and develop sector-relevant skills. Their latest partnership with the Energy Academy expansion will enable more people of all ages within their municipality to develop the skills and experience required to progress into engineering and energy-related industries through the specialist training provided by Newcastle College.
Ryder Architecture
Development PartnerRyder Architecture is a Newcastle upon Tyne–founded architectural practice established in 1953, providing integrated design, planning and consultancy services. Operating at a national and increasingly international scale, the firm employs several hundred staff across the UK and its global offices, reflecting its broad reach and multidisciplinary expertise. In Tyne and Wear, Ryder delivers projects that support community, education and innovation, including university facilities and STEM-focused developments such as the North East Space Skills and Technology Centre. Now, they have added the Energy Academy expansion to their portfolio of exciting development projects in our region, which will support new generations of skilled professionals to learn and grow in bespoke, industry-aligned facilities.
Shepherd Offshore
Development PartnerShepherd Offshore is one of the UK’s leading offshore, marine, and renewable energy service providers, operating over 200 acres of deep‑water facilities on the River Tyne. For over 40 years, the company has advanced both regional and national offshore engineering capabilities by delivering high‑value infrastructure, heavy‑lift operations, marine logistics, vessel support and umbilical and cable handling services that attract and serve major UK oil, gas, and renewable operators. It also hosts world‑class manufacturers at Offshore Technology Park and Neptune Energy Park, strengthening competitive supply chains. Through regeneration of former shipyard sites, Shepherd Offshore enhances the UK’s broader energy engineering capacity as well as the North East’s regional capabilities, supporting the subsea economy.