Leader – Jason Chehal founded SEEDS Capital in 2012 .
DRIVING INNOVATION IN COUNTY DURHAM
As the business support service of Durham County Council , Business Durham has a proven track record of helping companies grow , thrive and bring innovation to market .
With the rapidly changing world , it has never been more important to help businesses navigate the challenges they face and Business Durham is committed to supporting businesses to succeed .
In 2021 , it launched the Durham Future Innovation Building ( DFIB ) programme to support innovation in the construction , health and electech sectors across the county .
Since its inception , the programme has provided support to over 20 companies to bring their innovative product , process or service for the future to market .
One of the businesses which has benefited from the DFIB programme is County Durham based deep technology company SEEDS ( Sustainable Energy Efficient Designed Structures ) Capital .
The company specialises in the research and development of advanced organic nanomaterials to greatly improve the performance of battery and solar technologies .
Founder Jason Chehal said : “ We applied to Business Durham ’ s
DFIB programme to help us connect with companies who could benefit from our energy harvesting inks .
“ The DFIB programme has laid the foundation for building a stronger relationship with Business Durham , helping us to create a local supply chain centred around the cutting-edge technology we are developing to boost the attractiveness of County Durham as a region for advanced technology manufacturing .”
Sarah Slaven , Business Durham ’ s managing director , said : “ Business Durham has a proven track record of helping innovative companies grow and thrive , and bringing innovation to market .
“ The DFIB programme is just one of the ways we are supporting companies during this rapidlychanging time .”
The DFIB programme is delivered through a series of events , masterclasses , workshops and practical sessions , designed to help businesses unlock their innovation potential and develop their knowledge and skills . Companies are also able to apply for funding to increase their expertise .
DFIB is a two-and-a-half year programme , funded by the European Regional Development Fund ( ERDF ), for SMEs . It will run until June 2023 .
For more details about the programme and eligibility criteria , and to book a place on the online introduction , visit www . businessdurham . co . uk / dfib .
COUNCIL AND UNIVERSITY PARTNERSHIP GOING FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH
Two of County Durham ’ s most influential institutions have committed to strengthening their already successful partnership , by making their joint working agreement even more ambitious for the county ’ s economy and communities .
Durham County Council and Durham University have been working together for the good of the county for decades , and first signed a Memorandum of Understanding ( MoU ) in 2017 .
Through this they agreed to work together to raise the national and international profile of County Durham and Durham University with governments , businesses and others to attract talent , money and businesses and benefit local communities .
Now the council and university have refreshed and strengthened the MoU , to reflect current opportunities and facilitate the county ’ s economic recovery following the coronavirus pandemic .
John Hewitt , chief executive of Durham County Council – pictured with Durham University vicechancellor Professor Karen O ’ Brien – said : “ We greatly value our close working relationship with Durham University and are really pleased to be showing our commitment to that continuing by re-signing the Memorandum of Understanding for a further three years .”
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