As we enter 2026, business experts are shining a spotlight on a handful of innovative companies from the North East of England that are primed for significant growth and impact. Business writers Coreena Ford and Tom Keighley have selected five standout firms demonstrating exceptional promise in sectors ranging from clean energy to biotechnology.
Tech and Security Pioneers Leading the Charge
Precursor Technology Group, a cybersecurity specialist first launched on Tyneside last year, has seen remarkable expansion. The firm announced a major investment into its secure operations centre in Portland, creating an initial 10 jobs, with even more skilled positions added over the past year due to soaring demand. Founded seven years ago, Precursor offers a 24-hour service encompassing cloud security, continuous testing, backup solutions, and incident response. CEO Scott Cardow chose Newcastle for its strong investment ecosystem, tech talent, and institutions like Newcastle University, renowned for its computing and cyber security expertise.
Another tech success story is Inflo, an audit technology firm based in North Shields. Founded nine years ago by four experienced auditors frustrated with market inefficiencies, Inflo created a system to reduce manual input and provide deeper insights. The company announced job creation earlier this year to support growth in both the UK and US, noting a surge of American firms joining its platform. It now supports over 20% of the top 100 accounting firms in the US.
Green Innovation and Life Sciences Breakthroughs
In the clean energy sector, GeoPura is on a mission to replace polluting diesel generators. The firm manufactures green Hydrogen Power Units (HPUs) in Newcastle and won a King's Award for its zero-emission technology. Launched in 2019 and based at the Parsons Works site with partner Siemens Energy, GeoPura's HPUs provide flexible, off-grid power with only water and heat as by-products. Its technology is already used by construction firms, the Ministry of Defence, and film sets across the UK and Europe.
Making waves in biotechnology is Newcastle University spin-out Atelerix. The company, named after the hedgehog genus, has developed a revolutionary method for storing and transporting stem cells using a seaweed-based gel, inspired by hedgehog hibernation. A pivotal exclusive distribution deal with Chinese firm MineBio in 2025 opened access to a market accounting for 37% of global clinical trials in 2024. The company also recently entered a partnership with French company Cherry Biotech to expand its commercial reach.
Hospitality Expansion Defying Market Trends
While many leisure firms have struggled, the Newcastle-based Sayturk Group has significantly expanded its hospitality portfolio. This year it acquired the popular Bar Loco, adding to assets like the European-style cafe bar Société on Grey Street. The group is also behind the rapidly growing Flower Cafe brand, with locations in Sunderland, Newcastle, Jesmond, Alnwick, and Whitley Bay, demonstrating robust growth against challenging economic headwinds.
These five companies exemplify the dynamic and diverse economic landscape of the North East. From securing global supply chains in biotech to replacing fossil fuels and defending digital frontiers, they are set to be major contributors to the region's economy and innovation reputation in 2026 and beyond.
