As the business support service of Durham County Council, Business Durham has a proven track record of helping companies achieve their goals and navigate the challenges they face.
Part of Business Durham’s success lies with its experienced relationship managers. As a first point of contact for companies, they can offer solutions in a variety of ways, from, accessing funding to finding new premises or supporting recruitment activities.
By maintaining relationships with local businesses Business Durham support companies by offering them key contacts and opening up networking opportunities. This can include access to Durham County Council services, accessing skills through local colleges and universities, making the most of the latest innovations through key industry partners, to support in reaching overseas markets.
Connecting businesses to these opportunities is made possible because of the networks and contacts Business Durham has in place, and the relationships maintained by the Business Engagement team.
Caroline Taukulis, Director of Business Engagement and Account Management explains: “Much of our work relies on strong business relationships, being able to connect businesses with the right contacts, networks or services at the right time.
“For me, our greatest success has been the work we did with colleagues in Durham County Council to award £5.2million to local companies through the Durham Business Recovery Grant during 2021 and 2022. So many businesses have told us how valuable the scheme was to help them make changes to prepare for a post-pandemic trading environment.
“We work with businesses to face the challenges they will experience and look to the opportunities that will present. For example, the significant adoption of digital technology, online trading and digital connectivity of people and processes will continue to grow. What’s more, the conflict in Ukraine and increased energy prices and supply chain difficulties will also see businesses adopt low-carbon measures and greater onshoring to secure supply chains.”