LOCAL NEWS
LOCAL BUSINESS
LEISURE & LIFESTYLE
Business news from in and around East Durham
In this issue’s My Working Day feature, editor Leanne Fawcett chats to Seaside Travel’s Regional Sales Managers Donna Baker and Rebecca Rutter about their roles overseeing the company’s 13 North East branches, managing a team of over 30 people each and what they love...
In this new addition to East Durham Business magazine, Five Minutes With, we chat to Ranj Gill, who is co-director of commercial property company Clearwater Developments and co-chairman of East Durham Business Network. Here Ranj tells us more about the benefits of...
In this issue’s What’s Trending Now feature, we chat to chartered accountant Laura Whittle, who tells us more about her business and the advice she’s giving businesses who are navigating their way through the ‘Making Tax Digital’ process. We also sit down with Laura’s...
Just over a year ago, businessmen Rob Jones and Daryll Evans launched facilities management and maintenance company Eden Facilities. Recently, the duo completed their biggest project to date, the renovation and conversion of a former take away and café into an adult...
Since its founding, Protech has grown from a small, ambitious venture into a respected and established name in IT asset disposal (ITAD), delivering secure, sustainable, and forward-thinking solutions to organisations across the UK and beyond. Over the past ten years,...
Peterlee based Auxillis has rebranded to Northgate Insurance Services (NIS), reinforcing its position as one of the UK's leading insurance mobility and claims support providers. The rebrand brings the business under the Northgate brand, and creates a clearer and more...
Two businessman who launched their own company just over a year ago have completed their biggest project to date. Robert Jones and Daryll Evans, both from Peterlee, founded facilities management and maintenance company Eden Facilities after working together on...
A national recruitment agency is expanding its North East presence with a move to a bigger office. JDR Recruitment moved into the region last year as part of its plan to have representation in all areas of the UK. Initially, the company took on a small office at...
Caterpillar’s Peterlee manufacturing facility has reached a major milestone as the 70,000th articulated truck rolled off its production line, marking a significant achievement for one of the North East’s most established manufacturing sites and the global home of Cat...
Qualitech Environmental Ltd has launched public consultation on proposals for a new specialist waste treatment and energy recovery facility on land at Tofts Road West, Hartlepool. Located in an established industrial area, the proposed Tofts Road Energy Recovery...
County Durham battery pack manufacturer Alexander Battery Technologies has appointed five engineers and a project manager as it expands its technical team in Peterlee. The company has recruited Mark Burton as Technical Manager, Andrew Stevenson as Senior Test...
As part of its commitment to continued growth and investment in the region, established North East law firm, TMJ Legal Services, has relocated its Peterlee office to larger premises in the former ticket office on Burnhope Way. TMJ, which celebrates its 40th year in...
Four vastly experienced businessmen have joined forces to launch a new outdoor display and telecommunications company. Robert Webster and Anthony Ford, along with David Forrester, former part co-owner of Team Valley-based Astley and silent partner, accountant James...
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...
Two recruitment consultants have announced plans to grow their business after completing a Management Buy Out (MBO). Heather Croft and Vanessa Slater are the new directors of KES Solutions UK. The MBO follows founder Kelly Swann’s decision to pursue new opportunities...
A fast-growing electrical wholesaler has strengthened its team with the appointment of a new digital marketing apprentice. Harbro Electrical, based in Peterlee, has welcomed Jessica Gowling, who is undertaking a Multi-Channel Marketing apprenticeship with Baltic...
A business park in County Durham is nearing full occupancy after securing a string of high profile tenants. Traynor Business Park in Peterlee has been developed by property company North East Commercial, supported by a seven-figure investment. The park is made up of...
Kat Sykes is a co-founder of the pioneering Mind Your Business course, developed with research led by a professor at Durham University. The programme was piloted with business owners from across the North East, ensuring it was shaped by real-world insights and...
Peterlee-based Harbro Electrical has launched its annual toy donation campaign and already dozens of gifts have been dropped off. The campaign is organised by Harbro owner Phil Harbord to ensures that children from struggling households in the area receive at least...
The latest issue of East Durham Business magazine features Dawn Jarvis from the North East Combined Authority, who talks about her role as Business Connector at the North East Combined Authority, the importance of networking and the help available through the...
In the latest issue of East Durham Business magazine, Ranj Gill and Gursh Kahlon from commercial property company Clearwater Developments talk about the current landscape within the sector, why mixed use developments are becoming increasingly popular and their latest...
Angela Kirby is Office Manager at Lighthouse Workspaces, a 75,000 sq ft mixed-use development at Spectrum Business Park in Seaham, which was recently acquired by commercial property company Clearwater Developments. Having been responsible for its upkeep and supporting...
East Durham Business magazine editor Leanne Fawcett chats to Harbro Electrical MD Phil Harbord about why now is the perfect time to review how energy efficient your company is, the importance of good LED lighting, and what advice he would give to businesses and home...
Twenty-two years ago Nicola Evans Park opened her first branch of her ‘family’ business, Seaside Travel. Today, the business employs over 80 people, has 13 branches across the North East and North Yorkshire and recently launched a new homeworking division. Here Nicola...
Issue 15 of the area's flagship magazine, East Durham Business, is due back from the printers this week. The magazine is packed with interviews and good news, and includes local businesses and people including Seaside Travel, Mateo Mediterraneo, Seaham Hall Hotel,...
An award-winning nursery group has announced the appointment of a new Area Manager, further strengthening its senior management team. Clever Clogs Nursery Group, which includes Clever Clogs Day Nursery in Belmont, Clever Clogs Day Nursery in Bowburn and Little...
Businesses are being given the chance to meet potential new clients and showcase their own offering at an event next month. East Durham Business Network is holding its quarterly event at Believe Housing in Seaham on Tuesday, October 7. The breakfast event starts at 8...
One of County Durham’s largest mixed use business centres has been acquired, with the new owners revealing details about their ambitious plans for it. Lighthouse View Workspace at Spectrum Business Park in Seaham was purchased by Clearwater Developments. The 75,000...
Communications consultancy LEC was launched by experienced journalist and public relations professional Leanne Fawcett 13 years ago. And although the business has grown by offering a full suite of PR, marketing and web services, Leanne is now looking back to where it...
In this issue’s My Working Day feature we chat to Business Durhams’s business engagement officer (East), Michelle Mann, who tells us more about her role with the organisation, the recently expanded Durham Business Growth Fund, and how she’ll be supporting East Durham...
Planning a funeral can be a stressful time, both for the individual who is preparing for their final journey and the loved ones who have to finalise it when their family member or friend has passed away. John Delanoy and Julie Stout from Delanoy Funeral Services talk...
Everflow, the UK’s leading multi-services provider for businesses, announces the appointment of Suzanne Mitchison as Director of Waste Services to spearhead the expansion of its commercial refuse services. Suzanne will lead the strategic development and scaling of...
Harbro Electrical has been a mainstay on Peterlee’s South West Industrial Estate for over 25 years, supplying products to many of the area’s factories and residents. EDB editor Leanne Fawcett sat down with MD Phil Harbord to find out more about the company and its...
The latest issue of East Durham Business magazine is due out this week. Issue 14 features a cover interview with Phil Harbord, managing director of Peterlee-based Harbro Electrical. Also in this issue are Michelle Mann from Business Durham, who tells us more about her...
WL Distillery has taken flight to Dubai as part of a UK delegation to showcase the best of British products to the Middle East and North Africa regions. The company has made history in the process as guest exhibitors at The Gulf Bar Show, the MENA region’s first...
A dad-of-two who needed life saving surgery after being diagnosed with ulcerative colitis has launched his own taxi business. Peterlee man Mark Dunning, 46, became seriously ill with a condition that would change his life. After nearly dying and undergoing 14 hours of...
A brewery founded almost 200 years ago has been sold to a beer producer of which England Rugby World Cup hero Steve Thompson MBE is a director. Castle Eden Brewery, based in Seaham, Co. Durham, will celebrate its 200th anniversary in 2026 having been founded by John...
A family-run electrical wholesaling business which was founded three decades ago has announced plans to expand and potentially create new jobs. Harbro Electrical in Peterlee can trace its roots back to 1994, when it started as Steadfast Electrical and then the trading...
East Durham Business Network has announced the date and venue for its next event. It will take place on Tuesday, July 8, from 8:30am – 10:30 and will take place at The Hive at Wear House on Bracken Hill Business Park in Peterlee, SR8 2RS. Host for the day is FI Real...
Last week East Durham Business Network held its quarterly networking event at Cork and Coffee in Seaham. There was a great turnout of new and familiar faces including Castle Eden Truck Hire, Protech, Steadfast Security, Nala Engineers, Right Lines, Orangebox Training,...
There is still time to book your place at next week's East Durham Business Network event at Cork and Coffee in Seaham. The event is on Tuesday, April 8, from 8 30am. Over 40 people have already signed up, giving them the chance to network, meet businesses and...
Peterlee-based Everflow has announced its financial figures for 2024. Everflow, the UK’s leading multi-utility provider for businesses, drove double figure revenue growth in 2024 and saw the business further diversify its service offering by entering the...
Think Eleven, a leading provider of competency management solutions, has reached a significant milestone with the relocation of its headquarters to Spectrum 5 at Spectrum Business Park in Seaham. This move coincides with the company’s recent achievement of ISO 27001...
Young karting sensation Thomas Potter, known as T.Pot in the racing world, has battled more than just competitors on the track. The County Durham racer, whose story of trackside bullying went viral, has shown remarkable resilience, thanks in part to the support of...
A North East council has selected nationwide placemaker, Muse, as its joint venture partner to deliver the first phase of a new innovation district. The first phase comprises the Durham County Council-owned Aykley Heads site, which is currently home to the authority’s...
BoxWay Packaging Group Limited, the corrugated cardboard packaging business, has announced it has achieved a coveted Silver rating by highly regarded EcoVadis, the world’s most trusted provider of universal business sustainability ratings and intelligence solutions at...
Businesses across the area are being urged to give their backing to a prestigious publication that shines the spotlight on East Durham. East Durham Business magazine is a high-quality publication which is produced by Peterlee-based communications consultancy LEC up to...
Two of the North East’s leading digital agencies, Redu Group and Mira Marketing, are excited to announce a groundbreaking partnership that promises to reshape the digital marketing landscape for e-commerce businesses. Redu Group, with over a decade of experience in...
A woman who swapped sewing for sweeping chimneys has proved there is no such thing as a “man’s job” after establishing her own successful business. Lydia Wharton used to be a self-employed seamstress, which suited her while her two children were very young and needed...
Avison Young, together with joint letting agents CBRE and Naylors Gavin Black, have secured a major new letting at Integra 61, Durham, acting on behalf of Sunrise Real Estate, the pan-European investor, developer, and asset manager of high-quality logistics...
An accountancy and IT firm has announced the appointment of a trainee accountant as part of its commitment to investing in future talent. James Imrie has joined the team at County Durham and South Shields-based Mullen Stoker. The 23-year-old from Harrogate has been...
A Peterlee-based company that has made its name as a leader in the subsea sector is looking ahead to yet more growth with the help of a second investment from UKSE, the Tata Steel business-support subsidiary. Wavecon Ltd designs and manufactures subsea connectors and...
Meet Sam & Sara – the Director of Apprenticeships and Work Based Learning and the new Business Development Manager respectively. Sam Treadwell and Sara Jolly tell us about the college’s thriving apprenticeship provision and how they’re working to bridge the gap...
East Durham Business Network is hosting its quarterly networking event later this month - full details are below. Time & Location 28 Jan 2025, 08:30 – 10:30 Ramside Hall, Ramside Hall, Carrville, Durham DH1 1TD, UK About the event EVENT INFORMATION The next East...
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...
A global battery pack manufacturer headquartered in Peterlee has achieved ISO 45001 certification. The globally recognised standard reinforces Alexander Battery Technologies’ commitment to health and safety while delivering high-quality solutions to customers...
It’s less than six months since national window cleaning company Your Local expanded into the North East. In that time over 30 jobs have been created with plans to grow the headcount to 50 by the end of the year. EDB editor Leanne Fawcett headed to the firm’s offices...
Businesses across East Durham are being encouraged to give their support to an annual careers fair aimed at inspiring students to pursue careers in a range of sectors. Seaham High School is hosting its annual careers event for over 1100 pupils from age 11-16 to show...
A training and recruitment specialist which recently marked 15 years in business has announced the appointment of a new director to further boost its training offering. GEM Partnership, which provides training and recruitment services across the North East, has...
It’s been just over four years since John Delanoy and Julie Stout launched Delanoy Funeral Services, and what a journey it has been! Here’s a look at their inspiring journey to transform the way funerals are conducted.. Four years ago, a mutual friend introduced John,...
A new partnership between the region’s largest council and a supermarket chain has been launched to help people into work. Durham County Council’s DurhamEnable service, which supports people aged 18 and over with disabilities, neurodiversity, or long-term health...
A popular competition which aims to inspire enterprise amongst County Durham school children is back for its 20th year. Future Business Magnates (FBM), which is organised by Durham County Council’s business support service, Business Durham, will see students from 13...
Everflow, the UK’s leading multi-utility provider for businesses, reveals the pilot of its EcoMOTs service has saved a trial cohort of 24 SMEs a total of £84,000 on their water and energy bills, and reduced their water usage by 25 megalitres, the equivalent of eight...
Hartlepool-based brewer and pub operator Camerons Brewery has agreed a refinance and new funding package with Sandton Capital Partners (“Sandton”) alongside Independent Growth Finance (‘IGF’) to support the Camerons Group’s strategic growth strategy. Sandton, a London...
Three years to the month since East Durham Business Network was launched, we chat to co-chairmen Ranj Gill and Gursh Kahlon about plans to expand the network’s geographical reach, while East Durham Business magazine editor Leanne Fawcett discusses what the future...
It’s less than six months since national window cleaning company Your Local expanded into the North East. In that time over 30 jobs have been created with plans to grow the headcount to 50 by the end of the year. EDB editor Leanne Fawcett headed to the firm’s offices...
National training provider, Learning Curve Group, marked two decades of success in style at their annual charity ball, themed the ‘Purple Party’, recently. The event, which celebrated the businesses 20th anniversary, raised an impressive £13,010 for the LCG Charity...
Mamma Social Co, a Peterlee-based business that provides supports, advice and guidance to new mothers across the UK, has secured £70,000 from Business Enterprise Fund (BEF). The investment includes a £45,000 loan from BEF’s £1m fund for the North East backed by...
East Durham Business Network, which was launched three years ago to support the area’s thriving economy and stimulate growth, is to expand. The expansion will officially open up the network to areas including Belmont, Bowburn, Sedgefield, the Trimdons and Durham City....
A contract to support health and safety on the iconic Tyne Bridge, which is currently undergoing significant restoration, was undertaken by a growing County Durham environmental services specialist. Peterlee-based, Asbestos Audit, was one of the first suppliers called...
A leading tech firm which supplies components and subsystems to space, aerospace, defence and telecoms is the first tenant to sign up for a new unit in a growing County Durham science park. Filtronic will move into custom-built headquarters within the £100million...
North East firm ServAce has created new market-leading technology which is set to revolutionise the way training and apprenticeship hotel bookings are managed. The Tees Valley-based tech and hospitality expert has invested over £150,000 in the new software, which has...
As a beautician, Hannah Long spent her days making people look glam. However, she has now swapped the salon for septic services. Having grown tired of lash tints and waxing, Hannah is now a trainee service engineer for a UK leading septic specialist, Premier Tech. “My...
Peterlee-based NFS360, a provider of value-add warehousing and logistics solutions, has been acquired by the international logistics group, Group DESLOG. Evolve Corporate Finance, the national M&A advisory practice has successfully advised the shareholders of the...
Rapidly expanding Peterlee-based Asbestos Audit, has made key strategic moves as it launches an in-house asbestos laboratory. With over 20 years’ experience in asbestos testing and analysis, Frances Bell, has been appointed laboratory manager. Her arrival coincides...
Councillors from the Joint Administration of Durham County Council (DCC) have welcomed a decision to permit new housing to be built on a neglected site in East Durham. DCC’s planning committee has given the go ahead for the construction of 282 new homes on the former...
New College Durham has announced that work has begun on installing a brand-new, all-weather, multi-use games area right here on campus. The college is working in partnership with Cleveland Land Services as its main contractor, Dome Project Management, Ryder...
Esh Construction has begun work on the first phase of affordable housing at County Durham’s first ‘garden village’, marking a key milestone in the development of a landscape-led community. Registered provider, Karbon Homes, has partnered with Esh as it commences the...
From loaded mac and cheese, Mediterranean mezze, to creamy cheesecakes and sweet treats, the traders have been announced for Seaham Food Festival. Durham County Council has confirmed that more than 120 traders will be setting up shop along Seaham’s coastline on...
As part of its commitment to support customers with a wide a range of specialist services, rapidly expanding Peterlee-based Asbestos Audit has entered a strategic alliance with geo-environmental and geotechnical consultancy, ERGO. Operating across the UK, ERGO has...
This morning (Wednesday) East Durham Business Network held its quarterly networking event at The Grove restaurant at East Durham College. There was lots of new and familiar faces in attendance with people keen to share updates about their businesses and organisations....
There is still time to book your place at the next East Durham Business Network event. It will take place on Wednesday, June 26, at East Durham College in Peterlee. The event will have a training focus, showcasing the various funded programmes available to businesses...
Wolf Eyewear, a family-run glasses designer known for its bold and colourful frames, has acquired the Peterlee-based company White Optics in a deal that will create one of the UK’s leading independent eyewear suppliers. The acquisition, which was backed by debt...
A fast-growing window cleaning company has expanded into the North East as part of ambitious plans to increase its presence across the UK. YourLocal.com is moving into Teesside, Durham, Sunderland, and Newcastle following the successful rollout of the business across...
North East tech business ServAce has increased its headcount by 50 per cent as it eyes long-term national growth. The appointment of seven new employees within the last six months brings its total headcount from 12 to 19. Based in Tees Valley, the UK market leader for...
North East-based Prima Cheese, one of the largest exporters of dairy products in the country, has expanded into London with the support of Sintons’ real estate team, in order to further exploit opportunities for international trade. Prima, which operates from its...
Clearwater Developments, led by Ranj Gill and Gursh Kahlon, has announced the acquisition of another building, 1b Lighthouse View, in Spectrum Business Park Seaham. The Seaham-based development company, which began trading in 2011, is on a mission to rejuvenate...
Everflow, the UK’s leading multi-utility provider, has partnered with Veolia, the leading player in waste management and environmental solutions. The partnership underscores Everflow’s commitment to enhancing its service offerings and providing competitive rates...
James Cleave, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Executive Board Member of Everflow, the UK’s leading multi-utility provider, has been re-appointed to serve on the Strategic Panel of The Market Operator Services Limited (MOSL). As the market operator for the...
The date of the next East Durham Business Network event has been announced. It will take place on Wednesday, June 26, at East Durham College in Peterlee. The event will have a training focus, showcasing the various funded programmes available to businesses in the...
Peterlee company Asbestos Audit has announced the appointment of Leanne McIntyre as finance manager. Leanne, from Blyth, will be responsible for financial planning, data analysis, payroll, bank reconciliation and credit control. With an accountancy degree from...
A bookable bus service has been launched in County Durham to make it easier for people to get to work. Durham County Council has launched Link2work, a new flexible service which allows people to get the bus to work where local bus services are not available. The...
Everflow, the leading utilities provider for businesses, has announced the appointment of Lucy Armstrong as its new Chairperson. Lucy joins Everflow to guide and support as it continues its growth journey, while also preserving its values as it expands into other...
A Peterlee-based manufacturer in electrical safety testing has announced its recent charitable contributions and community engagement efforts. In the last year, Seaward has donated over £5,000 to local and national charities, grassroots sports clubs and local...
NEPO has successfully appointed a procurement professional to its Professional Services category. Rhian Hepple joins NEPO as procurement coordinator, having previously worked within the Member Support team at Credit Karma (FinTech website). In her role, Rhian will be...
Peterlee manufacturer Alexander Battery Technologies (ABT) plans to recruit and heavily invest in its UK and overseas sites as it embarks on an ambitious growth strategy. The company, which designs and manufactures customised rechargeable battery packs for a range of...
An expanding North East care group is growing its property portfolio after completing the acquisition of a successful County Durham care home. Lenore Care has acquired the 34-bedroom Melbury House residential care home in the village of Dawdon near Seaham from owners...
Courtney Lynn from Mullen Stoker on a typical working day with the accountancy firm. In this issue’s My Working Day feature, we chat to Courtney Lynn, who has recently been appointed office co-ordinator at Belmont-based chartered accountancy and IT firm Mullen Stoker....
A North East finance brokerage has appointed two new directors to the business. Castle Eden-based Dealer Net Finance has promoted Sam Musgrave and Kavan Young to the role of Directors within the business. The strategic internal promotions come at a time of growth for...
Sarah Slaven from Business Durham on the economic landscape in County Durham, the new Durham Business Growth programme and her priorities for this year. EDB editor Leanne Fawcett sat down with Business Durham Managing Director Sarah Slaven to find out more about...
Blackhall Colliery man, Gary Bell, has celebrated his thirty-year anniversary working at BoxWay Packaging Group, the Peterlee-based innovative, customer-focussed, design-led corrugated cardboard business. Gary started work as a printer in 1992 when the cardboard...
A printing and packaging firm’s rapid growth has seen it acquire a huge space near a well-known Peterlee site. Since 2021, The Encore Group’s packaging division turnover has more than trebled fuelling major expansion plans that are set to create new jobs. However,...
