As the first female Leader of Durham County Council, Councillor Amanda Hopgood brings a fresh perspective to her role as Chair of the Business Durham Advisory Board. With a background in financial services and local government, Cllr Hopgood is uniquely positioned to foster collaboration between diverse stakeholders and drive economic growth in County Durham.
As the Chair of the Business Durham Advisory Board, Amanda oversees quarterly meetings, attends events, and fosters connections among board members. Her advocacy for Business Durham is relentless, driven by her belief in its unique approach to supporting both new and established businesses in the county. Amanda's vision for the Advisory Board emphasises inclusivity, interaction, and active participation, ensuring that every member's voice is heard and valued.
"When I took over as Chair of the Business Durham Advisory Board, my goal was to foster inclusivity and active participation. As a people person, I believe interaction is key to promoting our work. We've successfully increased engagement by restructuring our meetings, giving members more opportunities to share updates and views. I strive to ensure everyone is involved in every aspect of our discussions, making the board more dynamic and representative of our diverse business community." said Amanda.
A Vision for Sustainable Development in County Durham
Under Amanda's leadership, the Council's dedication to business growth and economic development is evident. The launch of the County Durham Inclusive Economic Strategy in December 2022 marked a pivotal shift in their approach, providing a clear vision for sustainable economic development.
Commenting on the strategy, Amanda said: “A highlight for me is that it is not Durham County Council’s strategy; it belongs to the County Durham Economic Partnership and has wider buy-in from both the business community and wider community; it belongs to everybody in County Durham.”
Amanda believes economic growth is vital for the county. It promises better job opportunities and an improved quality of life, which in turn reduces dependency on council services and enhances residents' well-being.
Business Durham: A Hub for Collaboration and Innovation
Amanda values Business Durham as a central hub for communication, idea-sharing, and mutual support among businesses. The Advisory Board, comprised of members from various industries, addresses shared challenges and capitalises on emerging opportunities. In-person meetings foster informal interactions, enhancing networking and collaboration.
Reflecting on her experience, Amanda said: "Through my interactions with diverse stakeholders at the Business Durham Advisory Board, I've gained a deeper understanding of County Durham's business landscape, revealing the impressive breadth and innovation that exists within our community.
"This collaborative approach allows members to build valuable relationships and work together effectively, showcasing the region's potential for economic growth and innovation. The Advisory Board's diverse composition reflects Business Durham's commitment to fostering a dynamic and inclusive business environment across the county.
Driving Economic Growth and Innovation
Under Amanda’s guidance, the Business Durham Advisory Board has spearheaded numerous initiatives that have positively impacted the county's economy. The Finance Durham Fund has continued to provided critical financial support to local businesses, while efforts to promote inward investment have been showcased at events like the UK Real Estate Investment and Infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF). These initiatives aim to stimulate economic growth and position County Durham as an attractive destination for businesses.
One of Business Durham and the board's significant achievements is the development of North East Technology Park (NETPark) which builds on the 20 year history of the science park, a hub for innovation and high-tech businesses. Companies like Kromek, Pragmatic, Magnitude Bioscience, and Filtronic exemplify the positive impact of NETPark.
The importance of Jade Business Park, another development that has continued to make an impact with tenants working to reduce carbon emissions, including Low Carbon Materials (LCM) and Power Roll, is also highlighted.
Reflecting on these achievements, Amanda says: "I have learned about businesses I didn't know existed. For example, I recently attended an event with Kromek in London where they showcased their work to guests from all over the world, highlighting the benefits of being based in County Durham. This year, we have had two royal visits, one to Pragmatic and Power Roll, and one to Low Carbon Materials, and Filtronic received a King's Award for Innovation. It's amazing to see what is happening in County Durham.
"These successes underscore the Advisory Board's role in fostering innovation, attracting investment, and promoting County Durham's business ecosystem on both national and international stages.
Shaping a Resilient Future for County Durham
Looking ahead, Councillor Amanda Hopgood envisions the Business Durham Advisory Board evolving to meet new economic challenges and opportunities. There is a particular focus on ensuring representation from all sectors, including cultural and tourism industries, reflecting County Durham's leadership in the North East Combined Authority on cultural matters.
Amanda emphasises the importance of learning from history and diversifying the economy: "As we look to the future, it's crucial that we learn from the past where reliance on single industries led to economic vulnerabilities. The Advisory Board will continue to promote cross-business collaboration, inclusivity, and active participation. By maintaining an outward-looking approach and supporting businesses across rural, coastal, and urban areas, we aim to drive sustainable economic growth.
"The board's commitment to inclusivity and active participation ensures that businesses across County Durham have access to the resources and networks they need to thrive.”
In conclusion, Cllr Amanda Hopgood's leadership and vision for the Business Durham Advisory Board are pivotal in shaping a vibrant and resilient economy in County Durham. Her commitment to inclusivity, collaboration, and sustainable growth positions the county to navigate future economic landscapes successfully and continue to prosper.
Find out more about the Business Durham advisory Board and its members here.
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