One of the earlier ABPC boards , pictured in 2016 ( from left ): Lee Harris , Martin Walker , Sarah Slaven , Chris Hyde , Rachel Townsend-Green , Andrew McDonald , Kerina Clark , James Goodliffe , Steve Robson , Emma Little and Pamela Petty .
The rebranding of Aycliffe Business Park Community in 2017 was celebrated with a launch event attended by Dragons ’ Den star Sara Davies , MP Phil Wilson , Lee Childs ( then SWDT CEO ) and Ebac chairman John Elliott . the park ’ s profile . “ They helped put Aycliffe Business Park on the map ,” she says . “ Their presence increased visibility for everyone , and we ’ ve all benefited from that .”
The physical evolution of the park is another highlight . The Xcel Centre itself – Kerina ’ s original base – was once on the outskirts of the business park .
Today , it feels like part of the central hub , surrounded by the likes of Hitachi , UTC South Durham and ongoing developments such as Forest Park and the DPD facility .
“ The fact that we ’ ve positioned ourselves on both a national and global stage is a massive achievement ,” she adds .
“ We ’ re not just a small industrial estate tucked away in the North-East – we ’ re a truly global business park with a significant impact .”
One of Kerina ’ s personal takeaways from her time at ABPC has been the friendships and professional relationships she has built .
What started as professional connections have become long-lasting friendships , with people like Rachel Townsend-Green and Pamela Petty going from colleagues to trusted friends .
“ It ’ s more than just business . We ’ ve socialised , we ’ ve supported each other through challenges , and we ’ ve celebrated successes ,” she says .
“ That ’ s what makes this community special – it ’ s about more than just transactions .”
That sentiment is echoed by visitors who attend ABPC ’ s networking events .
Kerina recalls an email she received from a seasoned networker who had attended an event after seeing it on Eventbrite .
Expecting the usual ‘ hard sell ’ atmosphere ,
they were pleasantly surprised to find something entirely different .
“ They told me it was the most welcoming event they ’ d been to ,” Kerina shares .
“ They felt comfortable joining conversations , and they didn ’ t feel like they had to pitch themselves .
“ It was just a group of people having breakfast together and sharing ideas . “ That ’ s exactly what we set out to create .” As Kerina steps down , she believes ABPC has only just begun to reach its full potential .
The sense of community is stronger than ever , and the park continues to attract new businesses and opportunities .
“ We haven ’ t peaked yet ,” she says . “ There ’ s still so much more we can achieve together .”
And while she is moving on to a new role , her belief in the power of community remains unwavering . Now serving as the director of operations for cultural and heritage organisation The Auckland Project , she sees clear parallels between her past work and her new position .
“ My job now involves overseeing visitor operations , events , programming and curatorial teams ,” she explains .
“ It ’ s a big challenge , but my time at Aycliffe Business Park has given me the perfect foundation .
“ The same principles apply – building relationships , fostering engagement and creating opportunities .”
She encourages local businesses and professionals to explore the incredible attractions in Bishop Auckland , where she now works .
“ So many people don ’ t realise what ’ s on their doorstep ,” she says . “ There ’ s a whole cultural hub here waiting to be discovered .”
Reflecting on her time with ABPC , Kerina remains grateful for the experiences and opportunities it has brought her .
“ It sounds cliche , but it ’ s true – your resources are in your relationships ,” she says . “ Twelve years ago , I had no idea that a conversation with David Land ( now Auckland Project CEO ) would lead me to where I am today .
“ And I know I ’ m not the only one . How many of us have had those chance encounters that turned into something incredible ?”
Kerina ’ s departure marks the end of an era , but the foundations she has helped build will ensure that Aycliffe Business Park continues to thrive .
ABPC is now led by Pamela Petty , Thomas Prentice , Ian Proctor , Sarah Monk , Stuart Howarth and Paul Hind . “ It ’ s in very safe hands ”, says Kerina .
Her legacy is one of connection , collaboration and a shared belief that businesses are stronger when they support one another .
And for those new to the park , or for longstanding residents who have never been to meetings before , she has one final piece of advice : “ Get involved . You never know where a simple conversation might lead .”
Find out more about Aycliffe Business Park Community events at aycliffebusinesspark . co . uk / awards
To find out more about The Auckland Project , visit aucklandproject . org
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