Mr Kendell said his job involves selling the UK first and then setting out the case for the North East.
“Ultimately they have to choose a postcode and there is a degree of competition in England but we avoid the bidding war.
“What we do see is that Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, who are often much freer and can offer more incentives, are greater competition but again we don’t really work against each other.”
Dr Simon Goon, One North East head of business investment, said he put his team’s success down to a “genuine passion” for the job.
“I think they are very dedicated hard-working people, they are very passionate about the North East and they are very understanding. A lot is down to hard work and a good understanding.”
The future for the investment team is likely to be continued growth, staff predict, but only once the recession has ended.
Mr Kendell said: “Clearly the recession will have some impact and we have seen that already. Particularly with inward investors who are delaying, not cancelling, but delaying.
“But we are also seeing new inward investors coming in. The flip side is that because of the weaker pound we can now say it is more cost effective compared to eight months ago.”
He added: “Our focus will remain in China and India, we keep a watch on Russia, Mexico and Brazil, and will use what connections we have but we have no plans for a bigger expansion as yet.”
