As part of the interim evaluation of the North East Strategic Economic Plan, Steer Economic Development (Steer-ED) were commissioned to conduct an interim evaluation of the North East’s Local Growth Fund (LGF) and Enterprise Zone (EZ) programmes. The objectives of the interim evaluation were to assess the programmes’ impact and performance to date, including through targeted deep-dive cases studies of some of the most strategically important projects and investments.

This interim assessment provides evidence of progress to Government, helps inform any related future funding rounds and provides a reference point and framework for the Final Evaluation of the programmes which is scheduled to be undertaken in 2025. Analysis, findings and recommendations are structured around a logic model approach, with a clear emphasis on impacts over process.