UK's New Industrial Strategy: A Game-Changer for Scaleups – Here's What You Need to Know

The UK government's newly unveiled 10-year Industrial Strategy marks a strategic shift in economic policy – and for Scaleups, it’s nothing short of transformative.

With £86 billion committed to R&D, £275 million for skills/apprenticeships, and energy cost reductions up to 25% for manufacturers, this isn’t just paperwork—it’s rocket fuel for ambitious businesses.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:

This industrial strategy marks a turning point for Britain’s economy and a clear break from the short-termism and sticking plasters of the past.“In an era of global economic instability, it delivers the long term certainty and direction British businesses need to invest, innovate and create good jobs that put more money in people’s pockets as part of the plan for change.“This is how we power Britain’s future – by backing the sectors where we lead, removing the barriers that hold us back, and setting out a clear path to build a stronger economy that works for working people. Our message is clear – Britain is back and open for business.

The Government’s 10-year Industrial Strategy sets out an ambitious plan to transform the UK into a global science and technology superpower, backed by £86 billion in R&D, £275 million for skills and apprenticeships, and a renewed commitment to place-based growth.

But strategy without systems remains just a plan.

That’s why we’ve built International Space Station (ISS) Airview 3IP model – a delivery platform rooted in real places, with real people, driving real progress with our programme.

From Newcastle International Airport to Teesside International Airport, we’ve established the UK’s first international trade, investment, and innovation corridor — underpinned by our proven 3IP Model:

Ammar Mirza CBE, Executive Chairman ISS Airview and ISS Freeport, said:

We have been working on our plan for 20 year which methodology and model through the 3IP Model. We are delighted to be helping deliver the industrial strategy with ISS Airview and At Teesside Freeport, we’re developing A 120,000 sq ft Cargo Distribution and Cold Storage Hub. Grade 4 Laboratory space for Health and Life Sciences. A 5-star international hotel and 3,000-person conference centre. A new International Trade Centre, mirroring our Newcastle ISS Airview hub. A dedicated Freeport Accelerator Programme – the first of its kind in the world. - Ammar Mirza CBE

How ISS Airview’s 3IP Model Delivers This Strategy

For 20 years, our 3IP framework (Innovation, Investment, Internationalisation) has pioneered the methodology now embedded in the national strategy. Here’s how we’re operationalising it:

💷 Investment – Building Infrastructure with Purpose

We’re investing in programmes, people and places.

With over 15,000 SMEs supported through our wider ecosystem and a growing number of international scaleups joining our Scaleup10x programme, we’re building a smarter, faster route to growth — one innovation at a time.

All designed to drive inward investment, fuel export growth and provide a platform for scale.

With our people-led approach, we’re attracting sovereign wealth funds, airline operators, freight and logistics firms, and forward-thinking investors who see the North East as a gateway to global opportunity.

🌍 Internationalisation – Scaling UK Ambition Globally

From regulatory readiness to cultural orientation, we support the full internationalisation journey — including trade missions, B2B introductions, localisation support, and trade finance enablement.

Why This Strategy Changes Everything Sector-Specific Boosts: Targeting 8 high-growth areas (advanced manufacturing, clean energy, digital tech, life sciences, etc.), it aligns funding, infrastructure, and policy to turn strengths into global advantages. Regional Powerhouses: The North East and Tees Valley are core focuses, with Industrial Strategy Zones integrating Freeports (like Teesside) to streamline tariffs, accelerate R&D, and attract investment.

💡 Innovation: Business Model Innovation

From Labs to Global Markets At Teesside Freeport, we’re deploying a 10,000 sq. ft Innovation Sandbox for AI adoption and R&D, directly supporting the strategy’s advanced manufacturing and clean energy goals. Scaleup10x Programme: Over 15,000 SMEs accelerated through business model innovation and data-driven scaling – turning R&D into commercial wins.

"This isn’t about hoping for growth—it’s about engineering it. The strategy finally mirrors what we’ve proven for decades: when you fuse place, innovation, and global access, scaleups become powerhouses." – Ammar Mirza CBE, Founder, ISS Airview

The Bottom Line

The UK’s strategy isn’t a Wishlist—it’s a 20-year ISS 3IP Model validated at national scale and international scale.

We are proud to be not just aligned to the Industrial Strategy — but delivering it.

In a region known for its resilience and now recognised for its rising role in global trade, we’re turning Teesside and the wider North East into a launchpad for prosperity.

Our message is simple:

📢 If you’re serious about scaling, investing, or innovating – we’ve built the runway. Let’s take off together.

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Britain isn’t just "back in business"—it’s building your launchpad.