Durham news
Group celebrates contract win
A group of North-East businesses has secured major contracts on a multimillion-pound regeneration scheme in the South-East .
Artech Lighting and Apex Core , part of the Apex Group of companies , have been selected as suppliers for the £ 60m Egham Gateway regeneration project in Surrey .
The Apex businesses , which are headquartered in Durham , will supply lighting fixtures and fittings and prefabricated utility cupboards at the scheme .
Apex managing director Dave Lewis said : “ This is a really satisfying win for the group and reflects the team effort adopted when targeting these large-scale regeneration projects across the country .”
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GROWTH FOR DURHAM ACCOUNTANTS
Durham-based chartered accountancy firm Mullen Stoker is celebrating its tenth year in business with a string of new client wins and workforce expansion – despite the challenging economic climate .
The firm , based at Mandale Business Park in Durham , was founded by Neil Mullen and Gary Stoker in 2010 and now employs 14 people .
And despite the unprecedented circumstances brought about by the coronavirus pandemic , the company has seen its portfolio of regional clients grow – leading to the appointment of three new team members .
Amazon opens huge new Durham base bringing 1,000 new jobs
A
huge Amazon warehouse has opened in County Durham , potentially creating more than 1,000 new jobs in the area .
The global company has finished construction work which began in February last year on the giant logistics facility on the Integra 61 site near Bowburn .
Now the £ 300m mixed-use scheme , which is being brought forward by investment group Citrus Durham , has become fully operational following the opening of Amazon ’ s new 2m-sq ft centre , plus the completion of more than £ 20m of major infrastructure works at the 205-acre site next to Junction 61 of the A1 ( M ).
Amazon ’ s new facility is one of the UK ’ s largest logistics buildings . Its opening coincides with the completion of a £ 5.5m improvement scheme to Junction 61 and the A688 , carried out by Durham County Council and jointly funded by the authority , the North East Local Enterprise Partnership ( LEP ), via the Local Growth Fund and Highways England .
The £ 20m infrastructure investment from Citrus Durham comes on top of £ 15m spent on infrastructure works on the site itself , along with two new roundabouts on the A688 .
When fully completed , Integra 61 development will have 3m sq ft of industrial and logistics space , around 300 new homes and 50,000 sq ft of roadside opportunities including a family pub or restaurant , hotel , drive-throughs , trade counter units , car
COUNTY PLAN BOOST
showrooms , a care home and a nursery .
Citrus Durham acquired the strategic site in 2014 and , following completion of the extensive groundworks and infrastructure programme , now sees plans coming to fruition .
David Cullingford , project lead for Citrus Durham , said : “ After years in the making , Integra 61 is now entering an exciting new stage in its evolution , opening up for business and providing a first-class environment in a highly strategic location set to attract more companies and investment to the region .
“ Despite the challenges , we were always confident that our vision to create a largescale , mixed-use development of excellence was deliverable , and thanks to support from the county council , the North East LEP and other stakeholders , the site has now come to life .
“ We are looking forward to continuing these relationships and accelerating the delivery of the remainder of the scheme .”
Coun Simon Henig , leader of Durham County Council , said : “ The completion of the Integra 61 site is a major milestone for this project and also a sign of hope during uncertain times .
“ The 1,000 jobs Amazon is bringing to the area will be the first of many , providing a wealth of opportunities for local people and boosting our economy .
“ Supporting the development of strategic employment sites has long been a priority for the council and will play a crucial role in our recovery .”
Thousands of jobs and new homes which would provide a boost to the County Durham economy are a step closer following the publication of an inspector ’ s findings .
Durham County Council ’ s County Durham Plan envisages over 300 hectares of land being allocated for business and industry development and almost 25,000 homes being built over the next 15 years .
It means the county losing some of its rural assets but the trade-off will be a boost to its economy .
The plan is now closer to being adopted after a government planning inspector published his final report , giving his findings .