Consultation begins today on proposals to apply additional council tax premiums on long term empty and second homes in County Durham. Durham County Council is seeking views on the proposals which are intended to bring properties back into use whilst also generating additional spending power for the authority, at a time when it is having to make...

One of the region’s best-known providers of IT business solutions is looking to establish a name for itself in Newton Aycliffe – and a familiar face to the area is leading the charge. County Durham-born and raised Gemma Holmes has been the business development manager at Cornerstone Business Solutions for the last 18 months. Her focus...

Rich and vibrant tones of brass music could be heard right across County Durham last week, as organisers declare the success of Durham Brass Festival. More than 30,000 people attended events across the county – between Sunday, July 9 and Sunday, July 16 – in a week packed with spectacular performances, new commissions, free concerts,...

A software company is drawing on more than 20 years’ product development to offer manufacturers a “transformative” customisable product they can use to automate processes, analyse data, improve collaboration and manage workflow. Excelpoint has a readily available software solution to simplify end-to-end business processes that can be...

Lee Weldon’s weekly round-up from the wicket… Saturday 15th July – NYSD Division 2 Newton Aycliffe 1st XI v Saltburn 2nd XI – weather was cool with heavy showers. Saltburn won the toss and chose to bat first. Match sponsored by Unison Saltburn 2nd XI 204 all out after 48.3 overs James Layfield-Carroll 3 for 32, Matty Greaves 3...

Local councillors have lashed out at plans which are expected to see Newton Aycliffe police’s response team being relocated to Bishop Auckland. Durham Constabulary have confirmed its 10-year lease agreement with Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service has come to an end – and is seeking new premises on the town. But the force says...

As the managing director of a third generation, award-winning family business, Matthew Stiller knows that when it comes to remaining competitive and enjoying continued success, reinvestment is key. That’s why Stiller, specialists in the storage and distribution of palletised goods, has made a significant investment in new trucks and trailers...

Heroic police officers who died in the line of duty will be remembered by colleagues during a charity cycle ride. Officers from Durham Constabulary are taking part in The Police Unity Tour at the end of this month to raise money for the Care of Police Survivors (COPS) – a charity which supports families who have lost a loved one in the line...

Woodham Academy recently marked a significant milestone as 140 bright young minds from nine different schools successfully completed the highly acclaimed Science Ambassador Programme, in collaboration with Durham University. The scheme, designed to foster a passion for science and inspire future generations, proved to be a resounding success...

She juggles a legal role with being the driving force behind a mental health charity set up in her husband’s memory. And now Headlight Project founder Catherine Devereux has another role to contend with, having been named the Tees region’s most inspirational business leader in a prestigious annual poll. Catherine was revealed as overall...