[OFFICIAL]
Strand & Aim
Progress and objectives and embedded collaboratively, shaping policy and practice to create lasting system-wide change. Achieve Connect extends support to all 18 secondary schools in the project area, including continuing professional development for school leaders and staff, attendance initiatives, mental wellbeing programmes, and school-support funds. Another key element of the company’s education programme is to support and strengthen STEM careers and curriculum provision across the area. Since 2021, over 37,000 students have been engaged at 260 events in the local area. Anglo American has worked with a wide range of stakeholders to support businesses, develop strategies and participate in initiatives to support the growth of key regional sectors, which have an alignment with the Woodsmith Project including the bio-economy, food and farming, cyber security, clean energy and tourism. This has included funding business support programmes and feasibility studies and supporting the development of local business networks. Since 2021, almost 1,900 businesses in the area have been supported.
In addition, business start-up programmes funded by Anglo American have led to the creation of 183 new businesses in the local area.
Livelihoods
Alongside this work, the company has supported programmes aimed at improving skills and work-readiness, with a particular focus on working with vulnerable young adults. Since 2021 these have supported over 1,500 people. Looking forwards, engagement with both Tees Valley and York and North Yorkshire Combined Authorities (YNYCA) has identified potential synergies which could support the delivery of their Local Growth Plans. YNYCA published their Local Growth Plan in 2025, with Food and Farming Innovation highlighted as a key priority in recognition of the region’s ‘significant and unique assets across the whole food ecosystem, making it a perfect trailblazer to lead on national food security’.
To support the development of key sectors, create new businesses and connect people to opportunities.
The Woodsmith Project is highlighted as a regional case study.
As part of Anglo American’s livelihoods programme it aims to take part in initiatives that support food and farming businesses to build financial
Quod | Woodsmith Project | Economic Impact Report | March 2026
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