Introducing Business Durham: Supporting Businesses and Economic Growth in County Durham

If you run a small or medium-sized enterprise (SME) in County Durham, you likely know how challenging it can be to start and grow your business in today’s complex economic landscape. You need access to funding, but also tailored business support, skills development, networks and property solutions to really set your enterprise up for sustainable success.

That’s where Business Durham comes in. As Durham County Council’s dedicated business support service, we’re here to help companies like yours navigate opportunities and obstacles to stimulate economic growth throughout Durham County.

Read on to learn more about who we are, what we do, and how we can help unlock growth for your organisation.

Who Are Business Durham

Business Durham was established by Durham County Council as the central team tasked with supporting businesses and fostering economic development across the county. With business engagement officers located throughout Durham, we take a collaborative, hands-on approach to understanding the needs of enterprises across all industries and growth stages. Our expert team has long-standing connections with business leaders and organisations county-wide. Our goal is to help SMEs like yours start, grow and thrive while creating a vibrant economic environment where entrepreneurship and innovation can flourish across County Durham.

What We Offer County Durham Businesses

Business Durham provides end-to-end support and resources to help SMEs reach their full potential. Our offerings include:

Funding Opportunities

• From grants to loans to investments, we connect companies with funding tailored to their strategic needs and growth plans. This helps turn ideas into reality.

Expert Advice

• Our experienced team provides practical tailored business support and guidance to business leaders navigating all aspects of planning, operations, marketing and growth.

Influential Networks

• We open doors to a wide network of private and public sector contacts so businesses can forge valuable partnerships and tap into new opportunities.

Modern Workspaces

• As your needs change, we help secure the right commercial properties, from offices to co-working spaces to industrial units, so you always have room to grow.

How We Help Drive Growth in Durham

With practical support in key areas like funding, business support and networks, Business Durham empowers local SMEs to overcome obstacles and capitalise on new opportunities. Here are some of the ways we help facilitate business growth:

• Attract new investment into innovative County Durham companies ready to scale.
• Provide grants and loans that enable SMEs to develop new capabilities.
• Connect businesses with mentors and advisers who provide trusted guidance.
• Foster partnerships between complementary enterprises driving innovation.
• Equip young entrepreneurs and students with enterprise skills for the future.
• Promote Durham as a thriving hub for business and investment.
• Help businesses secure flexible, affordable workspace suitable for growth.
• Support economic inclusion by developing opportunities county-wide.

In short, Business Durham works collaboratively with enterprises across County Durham, guiding them through the challenges of starting and scaling so they can achieve sustainable success.

Support Tailored to Your Needs

Every SME faces unique challenges on their growth journey. Business Durham recognises there is no one-size-fits-all approach to business support. That’s why our expert advisers take the time to understand your company’s specific objectives and pain points before recommending a tailored mix of assistance – whether it’s funding to invest in new technologies, connections with prospective partners, or advice on expanding to new markets. We also understand the needs of enterprises change over time. As your company evolves, we can smoothly join forces with new contacts, funding streams and opportunities matched to your emerging requirements.

Start a Conversation

If your ambitious SME is based in County Durham and looking to start or accelerate your growth, we encourage you to start a conversation with Business Durham today. Our knowledgeable team is ready to listen to your specific business goals and challenges and explore how we can provide you with the customised support needed to overcome hurdles and succeed. Whether you need funding to invest in a new production facility, support on how to improve marketing, or help finding suitable commercial property as you scale, we’re here to collaborate every step of the way.

Let’s work together to transform your plans into reality and contribute to an inclusive, thriving economic landscape across County Durham. Contact our experts or explore our website to learn more about how Business Durham can help propel your business growth.

Find out more and get in touch by clicking here.