One of the many significant outcomes from the global pandemic has been the need for all of us to innovate and invest in the future. Innovations can be small, like using Zoom for the first time, but they can also be significant like entering new markets or investing in machinery.
County Durham businesses have been at the forefront of innovation during the pandemic. We’ve seen several come forward with new ideas, adaptations of the products and services they offer, a change of approach and of outlook. As we emerge from lockdown, now more than ever, we need businesses like those who are willing to innovate, business owners and leaders with ambition, ideas and foresight to invest. It is crucial in all instances that such businesses get the right support which is where Business Durham can help. As the business support service for Durham County Council, part of its role is to help to deliver more and better jobs and a strong competitive economy, the team is delivering several programmes designed to help businesses progress, evolve and thrive in a turbulent environment. One of the programmes helping businesses in achieving this is the County Durham Growth Fund (CDGF). The fund, now in its third year, provides businesses with the opportunity to apply for capital grants to enable them to make significant changes to their operations. 21 County Durham businesses have been awarded £5.4million in grants, helping to create over 500 jobs.
