Our intention is to build long-term relationships for long-term success .
Sarah sees " huge potential " in the region ' s space sector and green energy . long-term relationships for long-term success . We want to understand any barriers that prevent companies growing and come up with solutions . The world of business support can be quite complex , but we aim to cut through that to provide the right assistance at the right time . Our overall aim is to help create good jobs and grow the economy .”
Business Durham is also very active in supporting County Durham business networks , supporting both sector and geographical organisations .
“ We see it as a top priority to help these networks , helping businesses to share best practice and working together to find solutions ,” said Sarah .
Another priority is partnership working , particularly with local education providers . As well as collaborating with Durham University on NETPark , Business Durham is working with the university and New College Durham on Durham City Incubator , an accelerator programme for entrepreneurs and graduates who are looking to set up and grow their business in Durham .
“ Forty-eight businesses have already been through the intensive six-month programme and once they ’ ve completed , we continue to work with them to find them the right workspace across our portfolio ,” said Sarah .
“ We ’ re now working on a wider plan for a bigger incubator programme .”
Business Durham ’ s work with the university and college is also part of a strategy aiming to secure a talent pipeline to keep the economy moving forward .
Sarah said : “ Ensuring the workforce has the right skills is desperately important and there are certain areas in particular where we can see huge potential – the growing space sector and green energy are great examples – so we need to understand what skills are needed and then work with education providers to shape their offering and delivery .”
And talking of the future , what ambitions
For more about how Business Durham could help you , visit www . businessdurham . co . uk does Sarah have for Business Durham ?
“ In terms of property , we have new phases for NETPark and Jade Business Park , new units opening soon at Station Place on Aycliffe Business Park and plans for units on South Church Enterprise Park in Bishop Auckland ," she said .
“ We ’ ll also help grow key sectors in the county such as space – the North East Satellite Applications Centre of Excellence is thriving on NETPark thanks to a consortium of university and private sector partners .
“ We ’ re currently helping to shape the council ’ s new inclusive economic growth strategy for the next 10 years .
“ And of course , we ’ ll continue to support the county ’ s City of Culture bid . A successful bid would give us the opportunity to demonstrate there ’ s a lot going on here and it ’ s a great place to live , work – and invest in .”
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