NEWS
Kerry Walker succeeds Sarah Slaven as managing director of Business Durham.
New managing director Kerry Walker sets out vision for Business Durham
A VISION FOR
GROWTH
Kerry Walker has been appointed managing director of Business Durham, taking over from Sarah Slaven, who led the organisation for more than a decade and played a key role in strengthening Durham’ s reputation as a place to do business.
Business Durham is responsible for delivering business support and economic development on behalf of Durham County Council, working with companies at every stage of their journey, from start-up through to scale-up and inward investment.
Bringing extensive experience in economic development and regeneration, Kerry is focused on building on these strong foundations to support businesses, attract investment and drive growth across the county.
“ I’ m incredibly honoured to take on this role, particularly following Sarah’ s leadership and the strong reputation she helped establish for Business Durham,” she said.
“ We have a fantastic team and a strong platform to build on as we continue to support businesses and deliver economic growth across Durham.”
Business Durham works with companies at every stage of their journey, from individuals considering starting a business through to established companies looking to grow, scale and invest.
The organisation also manages a diverse portfolio of business space across the county, helping businesses find the right environment to succeed.
“ We’ re here to support businesses of every shape and size,” Kerry explained.
“ Whether that’ s helping someone start
a business, supporting a company to grow or working with investors looking to locate in Durham, our role is to provide the right support at the right time.”
Support is delivered through a range of programmes and initiatives, including Durham Business Growth and Durham Start-Ups, which provide specialist advice to enhance productivity, foster innovation, access finance and explore new markets.
As the funding landscape evolves, Business Durham is also helping companies become investment-ready and identify alternative sources of finance.
Businesses can also access the Finance Durham Fund, delivered by Maven Capital Partners, which provides flexible investment to help ambitious companies scale, innovate and create jobs.
“ Access to finance is critical for growth,” Kerry said.“ Through initiatives like Finance Durham, we’ re helping businesses unlock investment and accelerate their plans.”
Encouraging entrepreneurship is another priority, with programmes such as Future Business Magnates and the Durham City Incubator supporting the next generation of companies.
“ We want to encourage more people to start businesses and ensure there are clear pathways for growth,” Kerry added.
“ These programmes help develop the next generation of businesses in Durham.”
Business Durham also plays a key role in attracting inward investment and developing sites for growth. The organisation manages key locations including the North East Technology Park( NETPark), one of the UK’ s premier science and technology parks, alongside a wide range of business centres and helps to unlock development at strategic employment sites across the county.
Recent investments, including the £ 100m expansion of NETPark and plans for the emerging Durham Innovation District at Aykley Heads, are creating new opportunities for businesses to locate and grow in Durham.
“ We have a diverse offer for businesses, combining high-quality workspace, strong partnerships and a collaborative business community,” Kerry said.
Durham continues to see growth in sectors including advanced manufacturing, space, advanced materials, green technology and digital.
Business Durham works closely with partners including universities, colleges and industry to support innovation and growth.
Looking ahead, Kerry is focused on ensuring Business Durham continues to deliver for businesses and communities across the county.
“ Durham has huge potential,” she said.“ By building on our strengths and working closely with businesses and partners, we can create opportunities, attract investment and support sustainable economic growth across Durham.”
Find out how Business Durham can help your business start, grow and thrive at businessdurham. co. uk and be part of Durham’ s exciting growth story.
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