Business leaders from across the region are coming together to have their say on County Durham’s economic landscape.
East Durham Business Network, in partnership with Business Durham and the Durham Business Growth Programme, has organised an event to give employers in the area the chance to hear directly from leading figures about the opportunities driving their sectors.
An Economic Outlook: Growth and Opportunity in County Durham, will include keynote speeches from Kerry Walker, Business Growth Director at Business Durham and James Miller, Head of Rate Sales at Lloyds Bank.
The event, at Seaham Hall Hotel on Tuesday, March 17th, will also feature a panel Q&A session, including:
- Nima Beni, Co-CEO of Seaham-based Prima Cheese
- Duncan Hedley, MD of Peterlee manufacturing company Berger Closures
- Gursh Kahlon, co-owner and director of commercial property company Clearwater Developments
- Amanda Jennings, Spa Director of Seaham Hall’s Serenity Spa
- David Nixon, Senior Investment Manager at Maven Capital Partners
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- Amanda Hardy, Spa Manager at Seaham Hall Hotel Picture: DAVID WOOD
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Kerry Walker, Business Growth Director at Business Durham, is keen to acknowledge the important role networking groups like East Durham Business Network play.
She said: “Running a business can often feel like operating in a bubble, but you are not alone. Our networks enable you to step away from the day-to-day and into a room with people who truly understand your challenges. Whether it’s a simple conversation that sparks a new idea, a solution to a nagging problem, or a door opening to an unexpected opportunity, our events can help you find a solution.
“This event is about growth, focusing on working together to identify opportunities that help our County Durham economy prosper. This is your invitation to hear from your peers, seize new possibilities, and play a direct part in shaping all our futures.”
The event is being hosted by Ranj Gill, Co-Chairman of East Durham Business Network, and Leanne Fawcett from PR and communications consultancy LEC.
Ranj Gill said: “We know our region is thriving with many sectors enjoying significant growth, and that’s really what this event is all about.
“We want to shine the spotlight on some of our key industries and show people that County Durham is very much open for business. Investment, job creation, and talent attraction and retention will be key themes of our event and we want people to come away from it feeling positive, that despite the gloomy national picture the region is very much bucking the trend for growth and economic prosperity.”
Leanne Fawcett added: “Our panel members come from a diverse range of sectors, from manufacturing and food production to leisure and hospitality, commercial property, and finance, but what each of them have in common is a commitment to growing, and supporting growth, here in County Durham.
“When I first became involved in East Durham Business Network around 14 years ago, I wanted to change the way people thought about our area. I am from East Durham and am hugely passionate about that, so I am delighted that people are now sitting up and taking notice of everything we have to offer.
“East Durham is steeped in industrial heritage, but we’re also home to many innovative businesses and large multi-nationals, who are leading the way for job creation and investment.
“Alongside the likes of Seaham Hall Hotel, Seaham Food Festival and the rich variety of cafes, bars and restaurants that can be found here, the area really is becoming a jewel in the North East’s crown and a force to be reckoned with.”
