MUSIAD UK Invests in the Future in Newcastle

MÜSİAD UK Newcastle Networking Event: Strong Contribution to International Cooperation and Regional Development. MÜSİAD UK once again showcased the diverse potential of Newcastle—one of the UK’s emerging economic and cultural hubs—on the international stage through a high-level networking event held at Saray Restaurant. The event brought together key stakeholders from technology, education, construction, diplomacy, and entrepreneurship sectors across Northeast England and Turkey, laying the groundwork for new and meaningful collaborations. Ahead of the event, MÜSİAD UK President Av. Türkan Akbaş, Newcastle Regional Representative Şahin Gülmen, and members of the MÜSİAD UK Executive Board visited local businesses in the area to build bilateral ties and explore cooperation opportunities. Prominent local figures, such as Amaar Mirza CBE, Director of ABC Firm, also took part in these visits.

In his speech, Newcastle Regional Representative Şahin Gülmen highlighted that there are over 300 Turkish businesspeople living in the city, emphasizing that the local Turkish business community is becoming increasingly visible through such events.

MÜSİAD UK President Av. Türkan Akbaş underlined that the organization has entered a very active phase, recognizing the untapped potential beyond London. She stated that MÜSİAD UK will continue to organize similar networking events across various UK cities. She further emphasized that MÜSİAD UK is more than just a networking platform—carrying a vital mission to voice the concerns and demands of businesspeople in the modernization process of the UK-Türkiye Free Trade Agreement (FTA). As part of this mission, she announced that a roundtable meeting will be held at the UK Parliament on June 25, where members’ expectations and demands regarding the FTA will be discussed directly with MPs.

Newcastle MP Chi Onwurah, who also took the floor, stressed the unifying identity of the city: “Although we may come from different backgrounds, what unites us is Newcastle.” She shared that while she recognized some participants, she also met many for the first time, and expressed surprise at not having been aware of such a strong organization like MÜSİAD before. “I would be happy to stay in closer contact going forward,” she added.

Manchester Consul General Seyfi Onur Sayın, whose term is coming to an end, reflected on the strong relationships he built with the Turkish community during his four-year service and expressed his pride in witnessing the community's growth and evolving vision. Edinburgh Deputy Consul General Demet Kayaoğlu conveyed her pleasure in attending the event and affirmed her willingness to support a similar initiative in Edinburgh.

The event also saw strong diplomatic participation, including UK Labour MP Chi Onwurah, former Lord Mayor Rob Higgins, and several local councillors. From Türkiye, Manchester Consul General Seyfi Onur Sayın and Edinburgh Deputy Consul General Demet Kayaoğlu were present.

In the field of technology and entrepreneurship, a robust delegation of six firms and 13 representatives from Istanbul Technopark – Entertech, led by Volkan Okutan, participated in the event. The delegation engaged in productive exchanges regarding open innovation projects and investment opportunities in Newcastle, paving the way for regional business partnerships.

One of the most tangible signs of Newcastle’s future growth came in the form of the UK government’s announcement during the Riyadh trade summit: a £3 billion Saudi investment pledge, expected to generate over 2,000 new jobs. With its strengths in construction, R&D, and technology—as well as its academic excellence led by Northumbria University—Newcastle is fast becoming a hotspot for entrepreneurship and talent development.

Thanks to the event’s rich participation and strong synergy, MÜSİAD UK’s Newcastle gathering went far beyond a local business meet-up—it significantly contributed to turning the region into a focal point for international business and investment networks.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to MÜSİAD UK Newcastle Representative Şahin Gülmen and all local MÜSİAD UK members for their tremendous efforts in organizing this impactful event.