Supporting innovation in tourism, food, drink and hospitality across the North of Tyne.

Join the Hospitality, Innovation, Tourism Supply (HITS) programme to access innovation grants and support from business experts, and collaborate with like-minded individuals from businesses across the North of Tyne area.

Visitors come from near and far to experience our region’s attractions, food, drink and hospitality, but the pandemic, cost-of-living crisis and rising energy costs have left many businesses in these critical sectors facing significant challenges.

Funded by the North of Tyne Combined Authority (NTCA), the HITS programme will help businesses of all sizes in Northumberland, Newcastle and North Tyneside meet these challenges by accessing and developing new ways of working through targeted expert and financial support.

Access to insights and case studies in innovation via expert speakers on key topics such as people, sustainability, tech and marketing.
Opportunities to collaborate on innovative projects. Through meeting a new network you can explore ideas with businesses facing similar challenges.
Grant funding for innovative and bold new ideas that embed new ways of working or create new products and service offers that improve the overall visitor experience of the North of Tyne area.

The programme will also offer expert training to boost skills in the sector and invest in supply chain developments to raise awareness of local products and independent businesses with a wider audience.

To ensure you receive the most up-to-date information on the project, including exclusive event invitations, project updates, details of the business grants and industry news, you must sign up to be part of the programme.

Latest updates

Time-out Tuesday

  A series of face-to-face events and webinars centred around important issues effecting business within the Tourism, Food, Drink and Hospitality sectors.

Episode 1 – Sustainability

Episode 3 – Taking The Fear Out Of Finance

Episode 2 – Cash Is King

Episode 4 – Getting More From Your People

Programme funded and delivered by