Business engagement and account managers Guy Bashford , Hazel Sykes ( centre ) and Andrea McGuigan .
Initially , I served as the net zero lead , which I found immensely rewarding . Subsequently , I transitioned into skills development and am currently Business Durham ’ s skills lead for the entire county .
What kind of support do you provide to local businesses ? Our approach is centered around understanding the unique challenges faced by local businesses .
By delving deep into their needs and requirements , we can tailor our support accordingly . Whether it ’ s assistance with expansion or venturing into new markets , or attracting and retaining top-tier talent , our aim is to provide comprehensive support .
We believe that nurturing existing businesses is just as crucial as attracting new investment to the area .
What are the key skills challenges currently faced by businesses ? A common concern among businesses is the difficulty in finding skilled talent at the right time .
To address this issue , we collaborate closely with the North East Institute of Technology , a partnership between further education colleges , led locally by New College Durham , universities , and businesses .
This collaboration aims to develop highlevel technical skills and qualifications that align with employers ’ needs , both now and in the future .
It presents an excellent opportunity for businesses to engage with education providers and identify the talent necessary to propel their organisations forward .
We have worked with a wide range of businesses who are interested in skills development such as Ricor , Senstronics and BTS Facades & Fabrications and are keen to engage with more in the county .
We also encourage businesses to prioritise efforts in attracting and retaining staff , mirroring the dedication they put into acquiring and retaining customers .
By considering the skills required not only presently but also in the next three-to-five years , businesses can effectively execute their expansion plans .
Additionally , we recognise the importance of educating schoolchildren , teachers , and parents about the plethora of remarkable businesses in our vicinity and the diverse range of career opportunities available to young people .
How do you adapt your support to assist businesses during challenging times ? At Business Durham , we understand the importance of actively listening to our businesses .
While factors like Covid , Brexit and supply chain challenges have impacted all businesses , we recognise that each business faces unique circumstances .
Our approach is to provide timely and adaptable support , ensuring we are there as a reliable point of contact regardless of the specific issue .
By staying informed and engaged in finding relevant support programmes , we can effectively match the needs of businesses with the available resources . Whether a business aims to expand , innovate , or embrace decarbonisation , we encourage them to reach out to our team and take advantage of the support that awaits them .
What do you find most rewarding about working for Business Durham ? The most rewarding aspect of working for Business Durham is the diversity and richness of the job .
I am fortunate to live and work in a rural , picturesque part of the county , and the enthusiasm of the individuals I meet is truly special .
Our county boasts a wide range of businesses that serve as key drivers of the local economy .
With notable strengths in sectors such as manufacturing , construction , engineering , and automotive , there is much to be optimistic about when observing the local business landscape .
To find out more about the support Business Durham provides to businesses visit businessdurham . co . uk
The magazine for Aycliffe Business Park | 15