Sarah McMillan

Director of Economic Development & Growth, Northumberland County Council, Representative of Public Sector

As Director of Economic Development and Growth Sarah is responsible for delivering a significant programme of regeneration across the County and leading inclusive economic growth strategy and delivery to drive jobs and investment into Northumberland, including inward investment and business support and growth initiatives, alongside responsibility for estates and property, culture and the County’s Local Visitor Economy Partnership Visit Northumberland.

As a key member of the Northumberland County Council team she played a critical role in securing the £10bn Blackstone QTS Data Centre Campus investment into Cambois Northumberland; a flagship project and one of the largest in Europe. Sarah is leading the development of the new Northumberland Growth Fund (NGF), up to £110m, which has a prime focus on stimulating economic growth and creating over 5,500 jobs in the County.

Sarah is a Director of Energy Central Campus Ltd, developing and delivering skills, innovation and growth in key sectors such as renewable energy and offshore wind, has a keen focus on rural growth, as well as playing a key role in furthering devolution and shaping the new Mayoral Combined Authority in the North East.

In a career of 25 years Sarah has worked at the local, regional and national tiers of Government, leading large scale, high profile national programmes for Ministers and developing and influencing economic and social policy in areas such as, EU funding, education, skills and economic growth.

Prior to joining Local Government, Sarah held senior roles in the Regional Development Agency and the Department for Education.

Sarah lives in Northumberland, with her family, and when not doing all of the above, and being a vice-Chair of a local School Governing Board, she can be found running, cooking or practicing yoga.