Scheme details
Area: Newcastle upon Tyne, Sunderland, County Durham, Gateshead, South Tyneside, North Tyneside, Northumberland
Categories: Finance & funding, Grant, Business support
Business stage: Trading business
Key contact: North East Growth Hub
Contact email: Srtp@northeast-ca.gov.uk
Page last updated: 15 December 2025
Unlocking Growth for the North East’s Automotive Supply Chain
The North East Supplier Readiness and Transformation (SRT) Scheme is a major new investment programme, part of the national DRIVE35 initiative, designed to accelerate the growth, competitiveness, and resilience of the North East’s electric vehicle (EV) supply chain. Backed by the Department for Business and Trade and delivered by the North East Combined Authority, the scheme will provide capital grants to help businesses pivot towards EV components, scale up operations, and adopt innovative technologies.
What is the SRT Scheme?
Funding Available: Grants from £250,000 up to £3 million per project.
Who Can Apply: UK-registered businesses of any size, including those new to the region (subject to registration before funding is awarded). Projects must be delivered in the North East Combined Authority geography and demonstrate economic benefit to the region.
Programme Duration: Applications open from April 2026, with all projects to be completed and funds claimed by March 2030.
Eligible Activities: The scheme supports a wide range of activities, including:
- Growth or inward investment in EV manufacturing (passenger, commercial, off-road, micromobility, and military vehicles)
- Battery and supply chain development, including recycling and gigafactories
- Power electronics, machines, and drives (PEMD)
- Fuel cells and related supply chain
- Process innovation, automation, and digital transformation
- Reuse, recycling, and remanufacturing of EV components
Skills capital and workforce development
Why Get Involved?
Drive Innovation: Access funding to invest in new equipment, processes, and technologies that will keep your business competitive as the EV sector evolves.
Boost Productivity: Join a thriving regional cluster, benefit from knowledge sharing, and tap into a skilled workforce.
Enhance Resilience: Strengthen your position in the supply chain and help build a sustainable, globally competitive EV ecosystem in the North East.
Attract Investment: The scheme aims to unlock significant private sector investment and create new jobs, supporting the region’s economic growth and green ambitions.
Who Should Apply?
- Businesses already operating in the automotive or EV supply chain looking to expand or innovate.
- Companies seeking to transition their offer to supply the EV sector.
- New investors or technology companies considering establishing a presence in the North East.
How to Register Your Interest
If you’re interested in applying for the SRT Scheme, the first step is to complete a short Expression of Interest (EOI) form. This will help us understand your project and eligibility and guide you through the next steps.
Your information will be handled in accordance with our privacy policy and shared only with programme partners for the purpose of administering the scheme.