Beamish Museum has recently revealed that Lumo, a 100% electric train company based in Newcastle, has become its very first Business Champion in a bid to recognise and support the incredible heritage of the North East.

The partnership formed thanks to Lumo’s commitment in celebrating the 200th anniversary of Newcastle upon Tyne-based Robert Stephenson & Co, the world’s first locomotive works!

Robert Stephenson opened the locomotive factory on South Street on Forth Banks in Newcastle in 1823 at the age of just 19.

The factory saw the development of railway icons, Locomotion No. 1 and Stephenson’s Rocket and in more recent years, the site has been regenerated to become the Stephensons Quarter.

The rail operator’s offices are actually based on the same site as Robert Stephenson & Co and in order to celebrate this apt coincidence, saw a commemorative logo designed for the bicentenary of the works opening. The logo is displayed at the rail operator’s offices and also on one of its trains.

Beamish Museum is already home to a good number of Stephenson exhibits and to mark the special anniversary weekend, Lumo sponsored an all-electric shuttle bus which supported visitors getting to and from the museum.

Martijn Gilbert, Managing Director of Lumo, said: “Lumo takes great pride in its North East roots and is deeply committed to supporting the communities we serve while celebrating our rich industrial heritage.”

“As we join forces with Beamish this year as its inaugural Business Champion, we also join the region in commemorating the bicentenary of the founding of the Stephenson Locomotive Works. On the very site where railways were first imaged, Lumo is now reimagining rail. The North East has always been a hub for railway innovation, and we’re now building on that legacy with our cutting-edge, sustainable rail service delivered by local individuals. In doing so, we aim to enhance connectivity, foster tourism and propel the region forward into an even brighter future.”