As the country emerges from lockdown, the need to get behind local businesses and encourage enterprise is more crucial than ever. PETER BARRON looks at the wide range of support available in County Durham

BUSINESSES will inevitably face many challenges as the country faces up to the enormous task of rebuilding the economy following the devastating impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

And the team at Business Durham – the economic development arm of Durham County Council – recognises that it is their job to help established, growing and start-up local businesses to negotiate those difficulties in what is bound to be a turbulent environment.

The priorities in County Durham are to work to create more and better jobs; to build a stronger, competitive economy; and to help people get into work.

To achieve those goals, Business Durham offers a range of services and support for start-ups; companies that are growing; and established businesses looking to develop new products or enter new markets.

Each programme is carefully designed to help businesses at specific stages of their life cycles because, if the economy is to bounce back, County Durham needs businesses that are willing to innovate, and business leaders with great ideas and bold ambition.

As the go-to business support provider for County Durham businesses, Business Durham delivers several programmes designed to help businesses to progress. Support is available for start-ups, new product and process development, and to connect companies to the right advice that will best meet their needs.

“Business Durham has a proven track record of helping innovative companies grow and thrive, and bringing innovation to market,” said Sarah Slaven, Business Durham’s interim managing director.

“Durham Future Innovation Building programme, and Durham Ambitious Business Start-Ups are two of the programmes that are available to provide companies with easy access to the advice, contacts, and funding they need to bring forward new business ideas in County Durham.

“Once we get through this difficult time, more than ever there will be a need for new approaches to support businesses to start up and grow in the County and ensure we have a strong competitive economy for the future.”

The support programmes available through Business Durham include:

News articles focussing on each of these programmes will be published soon as part of this series.