Durham news
COUNCIL CROWNED CHAMPIONS
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 pilot and further develop new approaches to accelerating the innovation opportunities in areas which play to County Durham ’ s strengths .
Key elements of the project include support to SMEs in the development and market positioning of new and improved products and advanced materials , which is being delivered by CPI .
Council named among country ’ s top 100 apprentice employers
Durham County Council continues to be recognised among England ’ s best employers of apprentices .
The local authority is one of only two local authorities listed in the UK ’ s Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers .
The council is currently recruiting nearly 100 new apprentices across a wide range
Partnership – 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 .
ACCELORATOR PROJECT
County Durham organisations work together to encourage innovation
Companies will benefit from access to specialist equipment and facilities at the North East Technology Park ( NETPark ) at Sedgefield , and CPI ’ s expertise in product development , prototyping , optimisation , cost modelling and commercialisation support .
To encourage the development of university spin-outs , Durham University is providing a targeted PhD enterprise programme to support its PhD students with a bespoke entrepreneurship training programme focusing on deep technology commercialisation .
And Business Durham is leading on a diversification support programme for businesses looking to explore new emerging markets , including support for businesses that are keen to engage in opportunities within the space and satellites sector .
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 .”
of occupations from entry to degree level , offering people the chance to earn as they learn as part of its largest apprenticeship recruitment campaign to date .
A council team has been recognised for its work to help elderly and vulnerable residents with their energy during a time of higher living costs .
Durham County Council ’ s Warm and Healthy Homes ( WHH ) Team was crowned National Energy Champions of the Year at this year ’ s Energy Awards for its work to prevent increased risk of ill health as a result of rising energy bills .
Working with the council ’ s Housing Solutions and Managing Money Better services , County Durham Clinical Commissioning Group , County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service , Age UK and Pacifica 0800 Repair , the project involves teaming up with GP practices to provide direct assistance to vulnerable residents .
Future Business Magnates awards recognise young entrepreneurs
Young entrepreneurs have celebrated their achievements following the successful completion of a six-month business challenge .
Students from nine secondary schools across County Durham have taken part in the Future Business Magnates competition , run by Business Durham , the business support service of Durham County Council .
The competition , now in its 17th year , was run entirely online this year to ensure it could go ahead after being cancelled for the last two years due to Covid .
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