NEWS
The region ’ s largest council has been recognised with a prestigious award for its work to support and recruit apprentices . Durham County Council ’ s HR and employee services enjoyed success at this year ’ s LGC Workforce Awards , which showcases innovation in local government and celebrates services that have made a difference to their local authority .
The team were crowned winners of the Back Office Heroes category for the council ’ s ‘ Grow our Own ’ Apprenticeship Programme at the awards , which were presented by Britain ’ s Got Talent finalist and comedian Daliso Chaponda
The team were also finalists in two other categories – Best Next Generation Employer and Workforce Innovator .
The apprenticeship programme is an integral part of the council ’ s approach to addressing current and future skills needs .
By increasing the range and number of apprenticeship opportunities the council
Daliso Chaponda with Durham County Council ’ s HR and employee services team at the LGC Awards .
RECOGNITION
Council wins national award for apprenticeship programme
offers , the scheme helps attract and retain a skilled workforce both within the council and across the county .
Cllr Richard Bell , deputy leader of Durham County Council and cabinet member for finance , said : “ Congratulations to the HR and employee services team for their success at this year ’ s LCG Awards .
“ This is a prestigious national award which recognises the best performers in local government , so to be nominated in three categories and crowned winner in one is a significant achievement .
“ Apprenticeships provide an excellent pathway for anyone wanting to begin or progress their career .
“ We are passionate about our apprenticeship programme , so this national award is a fantastic recognition of the commitment we provide to ensuring our apprentices are on the path to success .”
For more information about apprenticeships with the council , visit durham . gov . uk / apprenticeships
BUSINESS BRIEFS
JOBS DELIVERY Around 250 new jobs are set to be created , with an additional 150 jobs secured at DPD , following the parcel delivery firm ’ s commitment to a major distribution centre at a new £ 100m business park .
Richardson Barberry , the joint venture developer and investor , has agreed a 25-year lease with DPD for a 63,000 sq ft warehouse unit on an eightacre site at Forrest Park , located next to Junction 59 of the A1 ( M ) at Aycliffe .
The new parcel hub is expected to secure 125 jobs for County Durham and create an additional 250 jobs as part of the new warehouse being built specifically for DPD at Forrest Park .
COHERENT ACQUISITION The UK government has purchased a compound semiconductor fab in Newton Aycliffe to be renamed Octric Semiconductors UK .
The deal to buy the Coherent fab at Aycliffe Business Park , reported to be £ 27m , is a stunning reversal of current semiconductor strategy .
The 310,000 square feet plant , which was originally home to Fujitsu , was acquired by II‐VI ( now Coherent ) in 2017 and was at risk in a global review by the company .
TRANSFORMATION INVESTMENT A £ 25m scheme to transform towns and villages across County Durham is going from strength-to-strength , with more than £ 13m invested and many more exciting projects in the pipeline .
Durham County Council ’ s cabinet has heard how the Towns and Villages programme has supported a wide range of regeneration projects since its launch in 2018 , as well as helping hundreds of new and existing businesses to thrive .
MAKE YOUR MARK 2025 – KEY INFO
Entry deadline : February 25 , 2025 . Shortlists announced : W / c March 10 , 2025 Awards night : May 8 , 2025 ( Hardwick Hall Hotel )
Details : aycliffebusinesspark . co . uk / awards or scan the QR code .
To enquire about sponsorship opportunities , email martin @ resolutionpublishing . co . uk
The magazine for Aycliffe Business Park | 9