NEWS
POSITIVE OUTLOOK
County Durham may not have been named UK City of Culture 2025 , but after such a captivating campaign , the partners driving the bid remain committed to delivering a pioneering cultural programme with a lasting legacy .
The Department for Digital , Culture , Media and Sport ( DCMS ) revealed Bradford had been selected as the winner of the prestigious competition .
And while Durham has missed out on the title , the publicity surrounding the Durham 2025 campaign has helped strengthen its reputation as a place where creativity and innovation thrive .
Durham County Council , Durham University and Culture Durham – the partners spearheading the campaign – are determined to deliver on the ambitious plans within the bid , creating a county of culture that attracts tourists from across the UK and beyond , delivers thousands of new jobs and improves wellbeing .
WORKING TOGETHER TO ENCOURAGE INNOVATION
Three Durham-based organisations are working together to encourage innovation and business growth in new and emerging markets after receiving £ 820,000 in funding from the government ’ s UK Community Renewal Fund ( CRF ).
Business Durham , the business support service of Durham County Council , the Centre for Process Innovation ( CPI ), and Durham University aim to build on each of their existing strengths and capabilities to support innovative business development in key sectors including science , technology and space .
The Emerging Markets Innovation Accelerator project focuses on supporting County Durham SMEs , university spinouts and potential start-up businesses , and will
County Durham just missed out on the 2025 UK City of Culture bid after making it to the final four shortlist .
City of Culture bid is just the start of County Durham ’ s journey
While the full programme is still under wraps , 2025 will be a big year for the county , as it celebrates the global bicentenary of the Stockton and Darlington Railway and hosts the National Astronomy Meeting .
Thousands of residents , businesses and creative practitioners were involved in the bid ’ s development , contributing a range of ideas , with many featured in the final submission .
Cllr Amanda Hopgood , leader of Durham County Council , said : “ We are immensely proud of getting so far in the competition and for being the only county to make the shortlist .
“ This is thanks in no small part to the support we have received from people and businesses across the region , and we are so grateful to everyone who backed the bid .
“ Working alongside our partners and communities , we will channel the excitement , enthusiasm and innovation that has come to the fore during the Durham 2025 campaign , to create a county of culture with a legacy that extends well beyond 2025 .”
Pictured ( left to right ): Business Durham managing director Sarah Slaven , Durham University head of economic development Jenny Taylor , CPI strategy director Arun Harish , Business Durham property director Peter McDowell and Durham County Council corporate director of regeneration , economy and growth Amy Harhoff .
pilot and further develop new approaches to accelerating the innovation opportunities in areas which play to County Durham ’ s strengths . Business Durham managing director Sarah Slaven said : “ We ’ re delighted to be collaborating with CPI and Durham University as we all have a strong track record in delivering projects , and in working together in partnership , including successfully delivering previous innovation support projects .”
BUSINESS BRIEFS
NET ZERO EVENT Businesses from across the North-East are invited to explore how they can save money while reducing their carbon footprint at an event being held in County Durham .
A wide range of leading experts will be demonstrating the opportunities and solutions available to help businesses become more energy efficient , reduce costs and deliver a sustainable future at the showcase event , which is being organised by Business Durham and held on July 6 at Ramside Hall .
Visit businessdurham . co . uk / netzero to register .
RARE OPPORTUNITY Aycliffe-based Rare Rockets is one of seven County Durham startups set to benefit from a hugely successful sixmonth accelerator programme .
Durham City Incubator ( DCI ) is designed to help entrepreneurs launch start-ups with high growth potential , as well as ambitious local businesses that have been trading for under 12 months .
The latest cohort includes Rare Rockets , who were shortlisted in the Newcomer category in the 2022 Make Your Mark Awards .
COUNCIL THANKS VOLUNTEERS Volunteers who help run community events and activities across County Durham were thanked for their hard work and commitment as part of National Volunteer Week .
Durham County Council recognised thousands of volunteers and the essential contribution they make to its services , during a series of celebration events to mark the occasion , held in June .
AYCLIFFE BUSINESS We ’ re already working on issue # 58 of Aycliffe Business , the magazine for Aycliffe Business Park , due out in August .
The booking deadline is 5pm on Friday , July 22 .
To book space , call Martin Walker on 01325 728024 or email martin @ aycliffetoday . co . uk .
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