A new chapter in the amazing Story of County Durham
County Durham has never been short of achievements.
It was at the heart of the Industrial Revolution, gave the world the modern railway and became a centre of engineering excellence. Today, those foundations are helping to drive a new era of innovation, growth and global recognition.
Durham County Council is leading a partnership that will ensure that story is told more effectively than ever before through a bold initiative designed to raise the county’s profile and appeal nationally and internationally.
Recognising the importance of promoting these strengths, the Council, including its tourism arm Visit County Durham, business support service Business Durham and Durham University, spearheaded the development of The Durham Story - a new narrative for the county which would set it apart and make it more competitive as a place to live, work and invest.
The Durham Story was developed following a year-long programme of engagement involving hundreds of stakeholders. The goal was to create a compelling and authentic narrative proudly showcasing County Durham on a global stage, backed by Durham Champions, a county-wide network bringing together businesses, organisations and individuals who are passionate about County Durham’s future.
As leader of Durham County Council Andrew Husband says: “Durham is a county with real ambition, and we are seeing that ambition translated into investment, innovation and opportunities right across the county.
“From our thriving business community and world-class university to major developments such as the innovation district and The Light, we are strengthening Durham’s position nationally and internationally. This investment is helping to create a county where people want to live, work, study, visit and invest, while ensuring our communities can benefit from the opportunities ahead.”
The county is increasingly establishing itself as a leading centre for high-growth sectors including advanced manufacturing and materials, electrification, life sciences, green energy innovations and the rapidly expanding space and security industry.
A major part of that ecosystem is NETPark, one of the UK’s leading science and technology parks, which continues to attract research-led businesses and drive innovation. Alongside it, a world-class innovation district is set to provide a launchpad for high-growth start-ups and university spin-out companies, helping create the next generation of successful businesses.
But the county’s ambitions extend beyond traditional growth sectors. Durham is also home to Space North East England, an initiative bringing together businesses, academic institutions and organisations to unlock opportunities within the space sector and strengthen the region’s position in this rapidly developing market.
The key to any successful location is the availability of quality employment sites and business space. At a time when many areas face constraints on development land, the county continues to offer businesses room to expand. That means innovative businesses are benefiting from a combination of talented people, strong research links and the right sites.
But the truly unique potential that this remarkable county has reaches beyond business.
A breathtaking blend of landscapes, cultural assets and visitor attractions continue to drive a thriving visitor economy. And this summer alone, two new world-class attractions have strengthened the county’s offer even further - Kynren: The Storied Lands, the UK’s first live action show park, and the county’s latest cultural destination - The Light.
All of these work together to form an inspiring offering that makes Durham an unmatched destination for businesses and residents, creating opportunities for generations to come.
Durham welcomes the highest number of visitors in the North East, attracting almost 22 million people annually. Those visits contribute around £1.48bn to the local economy, support more than 14,000 jobs and create opportunities for communities across the county.
Whether through major regeneration projects, innovation assets, word-class heritage and cultural attractions, emerging opportunities around Aykley Heads and the innovation district or the long list of businesses who have already made this remarkable place their home, the county has no shortage of success stories to share.
Durham is clearly a county that delivers.
Now some of those amazing stories are being told in a series of videos driven by the passion and pride to be found in every corner of County Durham.
For Durham County Council and its partners, the opportunity is to ensure more people hear these success stories, and many more, and see that its proud past is helping to shape an ambitious future.
.png)