Businesses gather for Aycliffe exchange event

Dozens of businesses gathered in Newton Aycliffe as part of an information exchange event this week.

Around 60 firms exhibited at the Durham Business Information Exchange, organised by Business Durham, at the Xcel Centre on Aycliffe Busines Park on Tuesday, while more than 100 people attended during the course of the morning.

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Businesses discussed their needs with a range of business support providers and experts to discuss finance, skills, internships, apprenticeships, and export. Specialists from the chemical, automotive, defence, software, space, creative and manufacturing sectors were on hand to offer support for new opportunities and supply chain development.

In addition, a range of business network associations, including the Entrepreneurs’ Forum, North East England Chamber of Commerce, Engineering Employers Association and the Federation of Small Businesses exhibited to demonstrate their assistance for County Durham businesses.

Business Durham also showcased its own support to businesses, together with Durham County Council services including employability, sustainable transport, planning, procurement, environmental health and consumer protection, and the early years services.

Sarah Slaven, business development director for Business Durham, said: “We had a fantastic response to today’s event from both businesses and exhibitors alike.

“We work with many different businesses every day and we’re delighted that so many County Durham companies have taken the opportunity to engage with the business support network available to them.”

Cllr Neil Foster, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for economic regeneration, said: “The economy is one of our top priorities and we welcome every opportunity to help businesses in County Durham start up and grow.

“There are many European funded business support providers at the events and I would encourage businesses to find out how these programmes can support them to set up, improve design and competitiveness and explore the networks to help sustain and grow your business.”

The DBIE event was hosted by Business Durham with sponsorship from Lloyds Bank, and support from Europe Direct North East England.