In a year marked by significant expansion and landmark deals, the North East of England has showcased a roster of exceptional companies leading the charge in economic growth. BusinessLive's annual round-up highlights the firms that have excelled in 2025, from established technology manufacturers to dynamic green energy specialists and ambitious startups.
Technology and Manufacturing Powerhouses
Filtronic, the County Durham telecoms technology firm, secures its place on the list for a second consecutive year following an extraordinary 18 months. The company's remarkable run was underscored by a series of major contracts with Elon Musk's SpaceX, including a pivotal £47m order announced in August 2025. This success facilitated a move to larger premises at NETPark and was crowned by winning Business of the Year at the North East Business Awards. Financial results revealed a staggering 121% surge in revenue to over £56m, with operating profits more than tripling to £13.4m.
Another Durham University spin-out, Kromek, turned its renowned scientific innovation into solid commercial success in 2025. A transformative £30m deal with Siemens Medical Solutions in January was a key driver, complemented by other multi-million-pound contracts and high-profile uses of its radiation detection equipment. By September, the company announced a £3.1m profit as revenues jumped 37% to £26.5m, silencing previous doubters.
Green Energy and Sustainable Growth Leaders
The region's commitment to a sustainable future is embodied by companies like Elite Energy. The Stockton-based firm was named the North East's fastest growing company at the Ward Hadaway Fastest 50 awards, boasting an impressive average revenue growth of 144.21% over three years. Evolving from a regional heating installer to a comprehensive low-carbon retrofit specialist, it utilises government schemes like ECO to fund solar PV, heat pumps, and insulation, helping households cut bills and carbon footprints.
The Port of Tyne also emerged as a central hub for the green industrial revolution. CEO Matt Beeton expressed strong optimism, linking the port's revenue growth to its role in renewable energy, notably as the operations base for the massive Dogger Bank wind farm. Ambitious proposals announced in 2025 included a £923m factory on its South Shields site and the unveiling of plans for a £150m Tyne Clean Energy Park to London investors.
Expansion and Strategic Investment
Strategic acquisitions and investments fuelled growth for other notable firms. Sunderland's Hays Travel expanded through four acquisitions, boosting turnover to £506.6m and operating profits to £64.5m, despite some deals facing a Competition and Markets Authority investigation. The company also won Best National Travel Retailer at the British Travel Awards.
Newcastle International Airport had a landmark year, culminating in global operator Aena Internacional acquiring a 25% stake. Its 2040 masterplan outlines runway extension and passenger number growth, supported by new partnerships with budget airlines easyJet and Ryanair, promising new jobs and destinations.
The region's innovative startup scene was highlighted by two Newcastle firms. Fintech Kani Payments secured a multi-million-pound investment from the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II to expand its payment reconciliation services overseas. Meanwhile, AI startup Literal Labs, a Newcastle University spin-out, secured £4.6m in investment just two years after its founding, attracting backing from prominent venture capital firms.
Collectively, these companies illustrate a diverse and resilient North East economy, excelling in global tech markets, leading the UK's energy transition, and attracting significant international investment, setting a confident course for the future.
