Innovate board chair Ian Duffew explains how Glow has invested in state-of-the-art equipment and audiovisual technology , notably an LED screen measuring 12 metres by 4.5 metres within a main auditorium that has a capacity to seat 1,000 people .
It was a career that included extensive UK travel and also took him around the world , but the lockdown years made him ( and his wife ) re-evaluate their lives and calling , and the result was a move to Aycliffe ’ s Glow Church .
“ We were ready for a new challenge , and we were moved by the vision to grow the church locally , nationally and internationally , along with a passion to have a positive influence on the community ,” explains Ian .
Having joined the congregation in 2021 , Ian became a trustee and non-executive director of Innovate the following year , and then chair this year , helping to drive an ambitious programme of investment .
He can ’ t resist smiling as he looks up at the giant new LED screen , in the spacious main auditorium , that helps make Glow a unique facility in the area .
It comes with new sound , video , and lighting equipment , as well as an enhanced stage .
Glow also features a second auditorium ( with capacity for 250 people ), professional office space for meetings , comfortable rooms for private discussions , and ample free parking space .
There ’ s also a modern coffee shop called Trio , which is open to the public six days a week .
“ We believe we ’ ve got outstanding facilities , with outstanding support – and outstanding coffee !” says Ian .
“ Whatever it is you need for an event , meeting , or activity – whether it ’ s small and intimate , or up to 1,000 people , we can look after you .
“ We want to make sure it ’ s the best experience you will have for miles around at a very reasonable price , so that you want to come back .
“ We ’ ve taken the decision this year to invest heavily in going up a level . We already had very good facilities , but we want to take it even further because there ’ s demand for real high-end , high-tech conference facilities . There really is nothing else like this in the area , and it comes with world-class expertise , with several specialists on the payroll .
“ We ’ re working with large companies and SMEs , as well as local authorities , and a host of community organisations .
“ We ’ re passionate about the area , so my message is ‘ come and see what we can do for you .’”
Indeed , the community is catered for at every level . The ‘ Little Cubs ’ nursery is part of Glow Church , with more than 130 children on the books and over 30 staff on the payroll , and so popular there ’ s a waiting list of 18 months .
Every Wednesday , there are “ Stay and
16 | Aycliffe Business