We chat to Business Durham’s new Business Growth Director, Kerry Walker, on her priorities and ambitions for the business support organisation, the help available to stimulate growth and the role County Durham’s business networks can play in supporting the county’s continued economic prosperity…
EDB: You joined Business Durham earlier this year. Tell us a bit more about your background prior to taking up this role? KW: I previously worked at Gateshead Council, having moved up to the North East from Yorkshire where I am originally from.
I really wanted to work in local government as I felt this was a good way of making a difference to people’s lives.
I undertook various roles within the council, from delivering employment initiatives and regeneration projects to working directly with the business community, including start-ups and large multi-nationals.
This business-focussed role saw me provide support to sectors including tech and manufacturing and my primary aim was to provide the support businesses needed to grow, which in turn would help the area grow and help put Gateshead on the map.
EDB: Your time at Gateshead Council also saw you work heavily in the inward investment arena. Tell us a bit about that. KW: My work in inward investment included identifying key assets, developing high-potential opportunities, propositions for immersive technologies, and building recognition regionally and internationally.My efforts brought significant investment to the area, which was fantastic, but importantly this was always alongside growing local businesses.
Having a dual focus on external investment and internal growth is something I have carried into this role – the two for me must go hand in hand.
EDB: You’re four months into the new role at Business Durham. How are you finding it? KW: I am really enjoying it. The first few weeks were about getting to know my team, meeting the key people inside and outside of the organisation that I will be working closely with and getting to grips with the various strands of support Business Durham offers.
I am now focussed on utilising my experience and expertise to support the continued growth of County Durham’s thriving business community, which I believe is one of the strongest and most diverse in the whole of the UK.
EDB: What is your long-term vision for County Durham? KW: My aim is to build upon the existing successes of Business Durham and create a stronger economic environment for both businesses and residents. My primary goals include supporting existing businesses to increase their productivity, fostering growth in key sectors, and attracting new businesses to the region, thereby creating high-value jobs.
I am ambitious but I am also realistic – what we have to offer here in County Durham is a diverse landscape which is home to innovative global-leading companies; inward investment and home-grown success stories; a diverse range of growing sectors; and forward-thinking businesses that are investing in their workforce and creating jobs for the future. There has never been a better time to live, work or study in our wonderful area.
I also want to build on our existing strengths, foster innovation, and create an environment where businesses and residents can thrive. With my extensive experience and passion for the region, County Durham’s business landscape is poised for exciting developments in the coming years which I am committed to helping drive.
EDB: In terms of the commercial property in County Durham, is there enough prime office and industrial space to meet the needs of new and existing businesses? KW: Absolutely, yes. We have a massive choice and variety, from cutting-edge office spaces to expansive industrial sites. Many of these properties are ready for immediate occupancy, ensuring businesses can swiftly set up and begin operations. This makes County Durham an ideal location for both new and expanding enterprises.
But we’re also open for business and happy to speak with land owners and developers who want to bring forward more commercial workspace in the area too.
EDB: What challenges are facing businesses in the county? KW: I don’t think there’s any hiding the fact that many employers continue to struggle to find skilled workers. There are jobs out there but the feedback we’re getting is that the recruitment process is tough – so clearly there’s work to do to bridge that gap.
I am committed to collaborating with academic institutions, training providers, and businesses to address this issue, which I hope will ensure our businesses have access to the right people, at the right time and in turn creating opportunities for local residents.
But I am also keen to look at the ways we can attract talent back into the region too – especially those who have studied here but then left to build their careers elsewhere. We have a wealth of employment opportunities, across a range of key sectors, and when you combine that with the quality of life and diverse housing offer, it’s a very powerful message.
EDB: One of County Durham’s key offerings for businesses is its networks, including East Durham Business Network. What would you like to see happen to them? KW: I am hugely passionate about the networks which operate across County Durham, they’re a lifeline for our business communities. Since starting this role a few months ago, I have heard nothing but good things, particularly the work done by the East Durham Business Network.
What I am particularly keen to explore is how these networks can evolve to support even more of our business communities. There are areas within our county that as yet don’t have a network to encourage collaboration, and that is something we’re keen to address.
That may result in the expansion of existing networks and discussions are already underway to gauge the appetite of businesses for this to happen – their growth must be driven by the business community, but myself and the team will support as much as we can. businessdurham.co.uk
