8 | Aycliffe Today Business
New Opportunities for Newton Aycliffe Businesses
There ’ s a host of opportunities for companies to grow and thrive in Newton Aycliffe through a tailored package of support from Business Durham ...
Newton Aycliffe is a fast-growing business success story underpinned by a diverse mix of companies – from manufacturing and engineering , to creative industries and logistics .
Confirmation of the sheer depth and breadth of business excellence in the area can easily be found , for example , in the 65 nominations from 37 different companies on Aycliffe Business Park battling it out for accolades at this month ’ s ( March ) Make Your Mark awards .
Add to this potent mix of the momentous decision by Hitachi Rail Europe to locate its £ 82m rail vehicle manufacturing plant in the town and it ’ s easy to see why the area is generating such positive news headlines .
Business Durham – the economic development company working on behalf of Durham County Council – is spearheading a bold package of business support to exploit the opportunities Hitachi Rail Europe ’ s huge investment presents , as well as providing expert help for firms across a wide range of other sectors .
Get into Rail Regional Workshop A prime example is Business Durham joining forces with the Rail Alliance to host a “ Get Into Rail ” regional workshop in the last week of June – provisionally planned for June – at Durham County Cricket Club .
The Rail Alliance is the sector ’ s largest dedicated B2B networking organisation , bringing together customers , suppliers and supply chain opportunities .
Lucy Prior , the Rail Alliance ’ s membership development and international trade director , said : “ There is a strong manufacturing base in the North East and we want to grow the rail sector both through UK and export opportunities .
“ To do that , businesses need to fully understand the necessary accreditations and requirements of Original Equipment Manufacturers ( OEMs ), but also to be aware that there is support to help them on this journey .”
Caroline Taukulis , Business Durham strategic account manager , said : “ The rail sector provides new opportunities for northern companies and we will have experts from the Rail Supply Group at the event , outlining new contract awards including tips on how to write good rail tenders .
“ There will also be support on hand to help raise finance for rail projects as well as local case studies .”
Durham Business Opportunities Programme
A key focus for Business Durham this year is the launch of the Durham Business Opportunities Programme – known as DBOP – which will deliver a bright new take on business support .
Lisa Wall is the DBOP officer for Newton Aycliffe . Contact lisa . wall @ durham . co . uk .
Funded by the European Regional Development Fund , the project will provide real impetus to company expansion and wider economic growth in County Durham .
Simon Goon , Business Durham managing director , said : “ Over the next three years , the dedicated DBOP team will go out and establish relationships with firms – many who don ’ t normally engage business support services and who may not be very well networked - to help ignite their growth . “ We aim to identify new business opportunities and help businesses pursue
“ We aim to identify new business opportunities and help businesses pursue them , in the process growing and developing their operations .”
– Simon Goon , Business Durham managing director
them , in the process growing and developing their operations .
“ This could be by helping firms access new markets , new developments , new sales or new technology .”
Durham Smart County
Innovative businesses are being urged to take part in a pioneering initiative to tackle the major health issues associated with social isolation in the North East .
Companies are being invited to apply for funding as part of Durham Smart County , the open innovation programme which has seen Durham County Council join forces with health organisations , universities , community groups and private companies .
Business Durham is leading the project on behalf of the local authority .
Initially £ 100,000 is being made available to companies to develop and scale up concepts with a deadline of March 31st . For more information , visit www . businessdurham . co . uk / smartcounty
Catherine Johns Innovation and Business Growth Director at Business Durham , said : “ Many of the world ’ s most famous companies started on the back of early stage contracts from governments : Vodafone spun out of Racal , a company built on contracts from the MoD to develop wireless technology .
“ Durham Smart County is bringing together people who would never normally interact and sharing knowledge across disciplines and sectors . It ’ s about using local capabilities to tackle local health issues but