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Business news from in and around East Durham
In 2020, John Delanoy and Julie Stout launched Delanoy Funeral Services, which pledged to change the way funerals are conducted, giving people the send over they want and deserve. In that time they have managed dozens of funerals and have recently invested in a new...
Nearly two years after my last visit to the wonderful Seaham Hall Hotel – a real gem in the North East’s crown – because of the coronavirus pandemic, it was with open arms and ready-to-be-pampered muscles that I returned for a much needed spa day. Anyone who knows me...
An experienced fitness instructor has won a prestigious national award for the contribution she has made to Seaham’s community. Andrea Tweedy-Dixon has been in the fitness industry for over 10 years and was working as an instructor at Seaham Leisure Centre. However,...
Essential skills training courses in County Durham are proving their worth in helping job seekers secure employment. A recent report from the Learning and Work Institute shows a steep drop in basic skills education in the North East. However, housing association,...
A former apprentice is moving up the career ladder at TMD Friction in Hartlepool thanks to investment from the company to strengthen its IT department. Stuart Gallagher joined the global automotive manufacturer four and a half years ago and in that time has completed...
A tech start-up that eases the administrative burden left with bereaved families has set its sights on rapid expansion, after receiving support from a team of North East innovation experts. Settld has secured over £800,000 for its end-of-life admin platform, which...
In this feature from Issue 6 of East Durham Business magazine, businessman and Phileas Fogg snack brand founder Keith Gill shares with what he likes to do in his spare time, away from running the Old Post Office bed and breakfast in Lanchester. EDB. How do you like to...
Global automotive technology leader ZF has rewarded 21 temporary workers with permanent contracts, starting as of November 1. The staff, who were initially brought in to meet a demand in orders, were appointed through the Peterlee company’s recruitment partner,...
Thanks to the collaborative culture that runs throughout the North East Automotive Alliance (NEAA), member company, ElringKlinger, has achieved £65,000 of savings on its energy costs. Through a long established relationship, Seaham-based, Great Annual Savings Group...
A Durham-based family-run funeral service are this month celebrating 50 successful years in business. East Durham Funeral Service, headed up by owner Philip Maddison intend to mark the occasion by giving their clients some special deals on pre-payment funeral plans in...
Power Roll, the developer of ultra-low-cost and lightweight flexible film for energy generation and storage, has raised a further £2.5m from existing investors. The investment will support continuing growth and the establishment of a pilot solar film production plant...
Every issue of East Durham Business magazine is available to read online, by visiting eastdurhambusiness.co.uk. The website is packed with news from businesses around the region, and you can also find out more about the advertising packages which are available both...
Automotive manufacturer TMD Friction is bringing together employees from facilities around the world, including its Hartlepool plant, after launching a global learning and development academy. The International Training Network has been created to support the...
Latus Health is targeting several business acquisitions as part of its three-year strategy to become the UK’s first fully remote occupational health services provider. The first acquisition made by the Hull-based business is the Reward Me Now employee health and...
An experienced barber who followed his dream of opening his own business is proving he’s a cut above as his salon continues to grow. Shane Brown has worked in the industry for six years and after spells with a number of salons across the region, he decided to go it...
Physiotherapist Andy Atkinson is targeting growth within East Durham’s business community as he looks to make the transition from part to full time self-employment. With over 15 years’ experience within the health and wellbeing sector, Andy launched Atkinson...
In the latest issue of East Durham Business magazine, East Durham Business Service adviser Hina Joshi, who has been with the Peterlee-based organisation for almost 10 years, answers questions for the My Working Day feature. Hina tells the magazine more about her role,...
Three new appointments have been made to form a new dedicated Environment, Health and Safety team at TMD Friction in Hartlepool. The team is spearheaded by manager Shaun Wilson, who joins the global automotive manufacturer from Caterpillar in Peterlee. He was brought...
A funeral services company which launched during the coronavirus pandemic has marked the end of its first year in business with significant investment in a new Jaguar fleet of hearses. John Delanoy and Julie Stout have also achieved their pledge to reinvest all money...
Turtle Bay is opening the doors to its new Durham restaurant on Friday, October 15. Durham’s first Caribbean restaurant and bar opens on The Riverwalk Durham with a brand new cocktail menu, Caribbean soul food classics and island beach shack party vibes, every day -...
HR Blog supplied by Alison Schreiber of the HR Dept, Durham Bringing employees back to the workplace and getting back to normal has been a key focus for many employers ever since COVID-19 restrictions were relaxed earlier this year. However as recent events have...
East Durham Business magazine feature - Central Doorset Manufacturing. Earlier this year Central Doorset Manufacturing relocated its fast-growing business into the former Dewhirst building on the North West Industrial Estate in Peterlee. Just seven months on, the...
Durham-based outsourcing firm, Hudson Outsourcing, is preparing to open a US head office in Florida, after expansion to over 20 countries around the world. To meet this global demand, they have rebranded with a fresh look, a new website and a revised motto – ‘A global...
The latest issue of the area's flagship business magazine, East Durham Business, is out now. Issue six features news and updates from companies across the region, including Peterlee firm Central Doorset Manufacturing, Delanoy Funeral Services, East Durham Business...
Following Beau’s £400,000 investment round in early 2021, the ethical vegan gelato manufacturer has appointed three senior figures to help it grow the business further and help bring the brand closer to its customers. As well as confirming former Onist Food founder...
Rollable solar film promises affordable, power-generating photovoltaic blackout window blinds for millions of people living in apartments Power Roll and Filia Solar have signed an Application Development Partner Agreement to explore the use of Power Roll’s solar film...
North East modular housebuilder CoreHaus has teamed up with a County Durham-based college to recruit, train and develop the region’s next generation of skilled construction professionals. Working closely with Derwentside College, CoreHaus has developed a bespoke...
Support organisation East Durham Business Service has welcomed four new tenants to Novus Business Centre. Team Evolve, Claire McPhail Counselling, Galaxy Letts and East Durham Counselling have all moved into the Peterlee facility, which provides office space to new...
The North East’s premier science and technology park looks set to expand, with councillors being asked to support a near £50m investment in its growth. NETPark at Sedgefield will be extended with a new third phase, should Durham County Council’s Cabinet agree to...
Alison Schreiber from the HR Dept, Durham - who is also the resident East Durham Business Network HR expert - shares a blog which looks at what employers can do if they're faced with staff who are reluctant to return to work after the coronavirus pandemic. With...
The next issue of the area's flagship publication, East Durham Business magazine, is due out in a couple of weeks. This issue will features interviews with the likes of Central Doorset Manufacturing, East Durham Business Service, the Sustainable Advanced Manufacturing...
A Wingate-based civil engineering and groundworks business has received more than £194,000 in research and development (R&D) tax credits across two claims, thanks to the innovation demonstrated in its projects. Founded in 2015, N&T Civils Ltd carry out...
Turtle Bay, the UK’s leading Caribbean restaurant and bar group, has started work on a new 4850 sq ft restaurant at Durham’s Riverwalk leisure venue. The two-storey restaurant and bar is scheduled to open in October and will create 50 new hospitality jobs in the city....
A North East electrical test and measurement company has announced several key appointments as it invests further to support demand and continued international growth. Seaward has seen 17 new people join in the last two months in various production, logistics, design...
Seaham company Mission Foods is recruiting for several positions within its business. Based at Seaham Grange Industrial Estate, the company is part of the Mexican multi-national Gruma, a global leader in the manufacture of corn flour, flatbread and tortilla products,...
Multi-site bespoke envelope and packaging manufacturer the Encore Group has released its results for the past financial year. The company, which comprises packaging and envelope divisions in Washington, Peterlee and Dewsbury, posted its results for the year ending 30...
Power Roll is creating a first of its kind solar film manufacturing facility at a County Durham business park as part of its expansion plans. The company, which is currently based in Washington, is moving its manufacturing and head office to the new unit at Jade...
Peterlee employer Auxillis is creating 40 new jobs after two major business wins during lockdown. The first, a brand new partner and the second, a significant extension of services with an existing insurance partner. This growth means that Auxillis is already looking...
Production of the first steel-framed modular homes is now underway at a County Durham factory. The milestone – along with the announcement of significant initial contracts – has been marked by CoreHaus with an official opening of its 20,000 sq ft unit on Jade Business...
More than 300 businesses have been supported and over 3,500 jobs safeguarded through a County Durham coronavirus recovery grant. The Durham Business Recovery Grant was launched by Durham County Council in January to help companies overcome the challenges caused by the...
Traders across County Durham and beyond are counting down to the return of next month’s Seaham Food Festival. The free Durham County Council event, which is taking place on Saturday 7 and Sunday, 8 August, marks a welcome return of festivals and events following the...
A new report by the UK Space Agency has highlighted that the North East’s thriving space sector has led to a jobs boost in the region. The recent ‘Size and Health of the UK Space Industry’ report revealed the number of people employed in the space sector in the North...
If you’re one of Durham’s small businesses, you can get a range of financial support to help cut your carbon footprint and save the planet. Going green can bring many benefits to your business. According to CDP data, if you properly insulate your building, you may be...
Issue 5 of of the area’s flagship magazine, East Durham Business, is out now and has been distributed across East Durham's thriving business community. The magazine, which was launched by the team at LEC Communications and Design in 2019, includes features, news and...
ResQ, the leading outsourced contact centre specialist, has opened a new office in the iconic Hammonds of Hull building, which has been part of a major refurbishment programme for the past two years. This will be ResQ’s third site, with the business retaining its...
With over 120 applications already received from clients in Durham keen to access the North East Business Support Fund, NBSL are expecting demand to be high for this popular Fund. With funding available to support only circa. 240 businesses between now and 2023 across...
Blog supplied by HR expert Alison Schreiber of the HR Dept, Durham, and the Peterlee and Seaham business park groups: Having been bathed in sunshine for much of June, the UK is in for another treat in June 2022: an extra bank holiday is confirmed to celebrate the...
Global technology leader ZF is marking International Women in Engineering Day (Wednesday, June 23) with the appointment of another female engineering apprentice. Beth Parodi started earlier this year as a Level-3 SQA apprentice. Having completed her probationary...
Issue 5 of of the area’s flagship magazine, East Durham Business, is out now and has been distributed across East Durham's thriving business community. The magazine, which was launched by the team at LEC Communications and Design in 2019, includes features, news and...
One of the region’s most respected leaders has been awarded an OBE for services to business and the regional economy. Helen Golightly, chief executive of the North East Local Enterprise Partnership (North East LEP), has been recognised in the Queen’s birthday honours...
Alistair Cummins-MacLeod is the Marketing Director at East Durham College, which has two sites in Peterlee and Houghall on the outskirts of Durham. In an interview for East Durham Business magazine, Alistair tells us more about his diverse marketing and communications...
In a interview taken from the latest issue of East Durham Business magazine, we find out more about Notify, the Health & Safety platform revolutionising workplace safety, health and wellbeing. A billion people? That’s a bold target. It is. And one I think is...
North East technology specialist Advantex has appointed two new apprentices as it invests further to secure its future workforce needs and strengthen core technical skills. Luke O’Connell and Taylor O’Connell - sons of company founders Dave O’Connell and Steve...
Blog supplied by HR expert Alison Schreiber of the HR Dept, Durham: This week, the BBC’s infamous Martin Bashir interview with Princess Diana has been in the headlines – 25 years after it took place. The coverage, which has been extremely damaging to the BBC and...
Local residents, councillors and other members of the community are invited to a virtual public consultation for a proposed solar farm between Murton and South Hetton. Hawthorn Pit Solar Farm is being developed by Aura Power. The company is proposing a subsidy-free...
A new defibrillator has been installed at IPS Flow Systems based in Seaham. IPS Flow Systems recognises the importance a defibrillator can have on a person’s survival and recently took delivery of a defibrillator. A victim’s chance of survival falls around seven to 10...
Mobile and home-based businesses in County Durham are being given longer to apply for financial support designed to help them through the coronavirus pandemic. Earlier this year limited fixed funding was made available by the Government through the Additional...
Logistic solutions business, NFS 360 Connect, have made significant savings on their yearly bills and reduced their carbon emissions by 75 tonnes. That’s thanks to the support of the BEEP team, who have been working NFS 360 Connect, a logistics solutions business...
New owners of a training and apprenticeship provider have announced ambitious plans to triple the number of learners it supports into careers. TACS, based at Novus Business Centre in Peterlee, was recently bought out by business owner Neil Armstrong and son-in-law...
A business support organisation has hailed the success of the businesses and entrepreneurs it has supported, proving the coronavirus lockdown wasn’t all doom and gloom. In the 13 months since the country went into lockdown, East Durham Business Service has helped a...
ResQ, the leading outsourced contact centre specialist, has awarded with Best Companies’ highest accreditation - the coveted 3 Stars, meaning ResQ is a ‘world class company to work for’. The accreditation is the greatest honour that the independent authority awards to...
Beau’s has secured £400,000 investment as it looks to build a vegan gelato brand that will raise the benchmark for the ice-cream industry and create a new facility in the North East. After an initial round of investment in 2019 that allowed them to scale up their...
Issue 5 of of the area's flagship magazine, East Durham Business, will be out early next month. The magazine, which was launched by the team at LEC Communications and Design in 2019, includes features, news and reviews from businesses around the area. In this issue...
A market leader in the wholesale and distribution of thermoplastic piping systems for over 30 years, Seaham-based IPS Flow Systems has renewed its commitment to support Sunderland A.F.C. by becoming an Associate Partner. Sunderland A.F.C. are one of three North East...
The GF (Groves Family) Community Foundation, a new charity restoring hope and support across the North East, is officially launching today (Thursday), with a commitment to employing local people to make a difference within their communities. Spearheaded by CEO and...
People who live in East Durham can tap into a new training initiative delivered by MINT Business Club and ITEC North East. The training is aimed at small business owners or employees who live the area, however they don’t need to work in, or have businesses located in...
Blog supplied by resident Peterlee and Seaham business park groups' HR expert Alison Schreiber of the HR Dept, Durham: Before the pandemic, an estimated 2.4 million adults had experienced domestic abuse in the previous 12 months. This crisis got even worse in 2020....
A shredding company owned by a former professional footballer is bouncing back with plans to grow regionally and recruit further personnel after a Covid-hit year. Shred Direct, owned by Graeme Carter, who was once on the books at Newcastle United, was looking ahead to...
An ambitious North East care provider is on the lookout for new care home acquisition opportunities after completing the sale of one of its existing properties. Aurora Care Group has sold the Langley House Residential Care Home in Horden near Peterlee to an...
Redu Group, a leading provider of employee benefit and retail marketing solutions, is pleased to announce the appointment of Adam Hobbs as Head of Retail Partnerships, a new role for the organisation. In his new role, Adam will be responsible for building...
The Durham Business Recovery Grant has awarded £119,000 to four businesses across County Durham - including one in Peterlee to enable them to expand into new markets. Launched in January, the £5 million grant funded by Durham County Council is aimed at businesses...
Eleven entrepreneurs are set for success by taking part in the six-month Durham City Incubator programme to develop their businesses. The County Durham start-ups hope to follow in the footsteps of Plastech Innovation, Heartwood Skills CIC and ChatPro who have all...
Work is set to begin on a major business park for County Durham, paving the way for 4,000 new jobs and a £400 million boost to the economy. Durham County Council is to begin work on the park at Aykley Heads, at Durham City, having already pledged £6 million to the...
ISOCOM Limited, a County Durham optoelectronic component manufacturer, is working with Northumbria University to develop the world’s first commercially available laser-based satellite communication system via the National Space Innovation Programme. Peterlee-based...
A website for the flagship East Durham Business magazine is now live. eastdurhambusiness.co.uk features the latest interviews and news, as well as all four issues of the magazine which you can read in full. The site, and the magazine, are run by LEC. The team is...
A family run electrical contractor is looking to a year of growth after bouncing back from the challenges it faced during 2020, brought about by the coronavirus pandemic. Like many businesses, Seaham-based Nala Engineers was forced to furlough staff as the country was...
A Northern packaging and print firm is entering a new era following its owner’s decision to hand over the reins. Russell Croisdale has been Managing Director of The Encore Group, which comprises print, packaging and envelope divisions in Washington, Peterlee and...
Nearly 100 businesses in County Durham have significantly improved their energy efficiency in the last year, thanks to a project which helps save on running costs by reducing carbon emissions. Despite the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic, Durham County Council’s...
County Durham-based Seaward Electronic Ltd. is setting its sights on further market growth with the appointment of a new chief executive. North East born Chris Callan takes up the new role after building a successful career in the electronics industry working with...
A North East retail rewards specialist has launched a new scheme to help UK employers encourage their workforces to lead healthier lifestyles. Reward Me Now, already in use with large employers such as Eddie Stobart and Hays Travel, is launching their Health Package,...
Companies are being invited to find out more about a new programme that has been launched to support innovation in the construction, health and electech sectors across County Durham. Set up by Business Durham, the economic development arm of Durham County Council, the...
North East Chartered Accountancy firm Mullen Stoker has seen demand for its IT services rapidly increase as more and more people are required to work from home. Whilst many companies have been operating a flexible working policy since the coronavirus outbreak first...
A mum of two has taken her first steps into entrepreneurship to launch her own party business during the months of lockdown. Amy Speckman, 28, from Murton in County Durham has set up Sweetie Treats, which offers services to make your wedding, birthday party or...
Issue four of East Durham Business magazine is available to read online, with a new website for the publication due to launch in the next few weeks. Themed around ‘bouncing back from COVID-19’ the magazine features businesses from across the area, which are dealing...
Businesses are set to benefit from a new £5 million grant funded by Durham County Council to help them implement recovery plans to overcome the effects of the coronavirus pandemic. The COVID-19 crisis has had a significant impact on the economy and recovery is likely...
Innovative modular housebuilder, CoreHaus, is opening its first UK manufacturing site at a County Durham business park as part of its scale-up plans. CoreHaus has secured its new 20,000 sq ft unit at Jade Business Park, in Murton near Seaham, and recruited a highly...
The Peterlee and Seaham business park groups are hosting their first virtual Network with your Neighbour event of 2021 and individuals and firms across the area are invited to attend. The event, on Thursday, January 21, at 11am, will shed light on the support...
The fourth issue of the area's flagship magazine, East Durham Business, is available to read in full online. Themed around ‘bouncing back from COVID-19’ the magazine features businesses from across the area, which are dealing with the challenging climate in many...
The Finance Durham Fund has invested over £1 million in five businesses to grow in or move to County Durham over the last twelve months. Established by Durham County Council in 2017, Finance Durham is a £20m investment fund overseen by Business Durham and managed by...
An experienced design engineer is looking towards a positive future and rebuilding his three businesses after being left in an induced coma following a near fatal hit and run. Jim Box was successfully running Be Smart Solutions, Be-Recycled.com and 3D Printing when he...
More than 1,000 families in County Durham and Sunderland have benefited thanks to the generosity of a firm’s Christmas appeal. Seaham-based Great Annual Savings Group (GAS) ran a December community campaign to distribute gifts, food parcels and donations totalling...
John Delanoy and Julie Stout are passionate about the funeral industry and giving people the send-off they want – their best final farewell. East Durham Business magazine Editor Leanne Fawcett finds out more. Two things are immediately evident when I down with John...
This time of year is usually filled with festivities. From Christmas parties to the legendary Secret Santa gift exchange, there is normally no shortage of reasons to get together with friends, family and co-workers during December. But after a difficult year...
An experienced publican and restaurateur launched a new food place with a difference earlier this year – despite the obvious Covid challenges. But now their Mediterranean dishes are proving hugely popular at their newly-refurbished outlet near Peterlee – creating...
Plans to create a major business park with the potential to create thousands of new jobs and boost County Durham’s economy by £400 million have been approved by councillors. Durham County Council’s planning committee voted in favour of developing the site at Aykley...
HR expert Alison Schreiber, who works with many businesses in the East Durham area, offers some useful advice to employers who are preparing for a busy few weeks in the run up to Christmas. The HR Dept Durham representative is urging businesses to properly manage...
Global automotive technology leader ZF has proven its commitment to investing in young talent after promoting one of its former apprentices into a permanent technician role. Lewis Charlton, 21, joined the Peterlee company two and a half years ago as a quality...
Issue four of the area’s flagship publication, East Durham Business magazine, is out now. Themed around ‘bouncing back from COVID-19’ the magazine features businesses from across the area, which are dealing with the challenging climate in many different ways. Featured...
A business centre for new and growing SMEs has welcomed a string of new tenants despite the tough economic conditions. Novus Business Centre in Peterlee, which is managed by East Durham Business Service, offers flexible office space for sole traders and expanding...
Eligible businesses affected by local and national coronavirus restrictions are being encouraged to apply for the latest round of Government grants. Following the recent publication of a number of new Government grants, Durham County Council is contacting businesses...
A specialist retail marketing company has completed the seven-figure acquisition of a fellow North East business who are experts in retail gift cards and loyalty schemes. Seaham-based Redu Group, which has developed a range of tech-savvy operations that offer money...
Issue four of the area's flagship publication, East Durham Business magazine, is due out this week. Themed around ‘bouncing back from COVID-19’ the magazine will feature businesses from across the area, which are dealing with the challenging climate in many different...
