County Durham business leader David Land honoured with High Sheriff Community Award
A County Durham business leader who has spent more than a decade creating opportunities for young people, supporting engineering businesses and championing his local community has received a High Sheriff Community Award.
David Land, founding trustee and Chair of Trustees at UTC South Durham, received the award from the High Sheriff of the County Palatine of Durham, Dr Arnab Basu MBE DL, for his outstanding voluntary contribution to education, industry and regeneration across the county.
Born in Bishop Auckland, David began his career as an apprentice at Cummins Engines in Darlington before progressing into senior leadership roles in manufacturing, including at automotive manufacturer Tallent Engineering – which later became Gestamp Engineering – where he supported the company's growth as it expanded its turnover from £10 million to £200 million before its sale to Gestamp.
He has since dedicated much of his time to helping others access the opportunities that shaped his career.
David was instrumental in establishing UTC South Durham, spending four years bringing together employers, education partners and government support before the specialist engineering and manufacturing college opened on Aycliffe Business Park in September 2016.
The award comes as UTC South Durham celebrates its 10th anniversary, marking a decade of connecting education with industry and helping young people build successful careers.
Since opening, more than 1,800 students have attended the college, with many progressing into apprenticeships, employment and higher education.
In summer 2025, 35 per cent of Year 13 leavers progressed into apprenticeships, compared with a County Durham average of nine per cent and a national average of seven per cent, while more than 90 per cent secured positive destinations.
This year, the college celebrated a 100 per cent pass rate among its Engineering and Manufacturing T Level students, with leavers progressing into opportunities with employers including Nissan, Amazon, Jacobs and Accenture, as well as careers in the Royal Air Force and Royal Navy.
David's commitment to inspiring the next generation also led him to co-find the North East STEM Foundation (NESF), which works to remove barriers to STEM education for children regardless of their background.
In one year alone, NESF supported more than 3,000 young people, including 1,300 primary school pupils from 38 schools who took part in employer-led STEM activities.
He has also played a significant role in strengthening the region's manufacturing sector. As Chair of the Engineering and Manufacturing Network, David helped transform three struggling engineering forums into a network of almost 200 businesses, encouraging collaboration and supporting companies across the North East.
More recently, he brought his experience to the regeneration of his hometown, serving as Interim CEO of The Auckland Project for nine months and supporting its mission to create employment and opportunities through heritage, culture and tourism.
David's wider contribution to the region includes serving on several influential boards, including the North East Local Enterprise Partnership and as a governor at the University of Sunderland. As Chair of the Bishop Auckland Stronger Towns Board, he also played a key role in securing £33 million in government funding to support the regeneration of his hometown.
Despite his extensive business career, David continues to volunteer his time mentoring young people, supporting educational institutions and bringing businesses and communities together.
The High Sheriff’s awards recognise individuals whose voluntary service makes a significant and lasting contribution to communities across County Durham.
Dr Arnab Basu, High Sheriff of the County Palatine of Durham, said: “David has spent many years using his experience, knowledge and connections to create opportunities for others.
“His contribution to UTC South Durham, now celebrating its tenth anniversary, is a remarkable example of education and industry working together.
“From inspiring young people to pursue engineering careers to strengthening businesses and supporting his hometown's regeneration, David has made a lasting difference to County Durham.
“He has given his time and expertise generously, often behind the scenes, and it is a pleasure to recognise his outstanding service to the community.”
David Land said: “I'm absolutely delighted and humbled to receive this award.
“Having started my own career as an apprentice, I've always believed in giving young people the skills, confidence and opportunities to build successful careers.
“To see UTC South Durham celebrating its tenth anniversary, and the achievements of the students who have passed through its doors, is something I'm incredibly proud of.
“None of this would have been possible without the dedication of the staff, employers, trustees and partners who have supported us along the way.
“This award is a reflection of that collective effort, and I'm grateful to everyone I've had the privilege of working alongside.”
Tom Dower, Principal of UTC South Durham, said: “David has been instrumental in making UTC South Durham what it is today. His passion for engineering, education and creating opportunities for young people helped establish the college, and his commitment has never wavered.
“Thousands of students have benefited from his vision and determination to bring education and industry closer together, opening doors to careers they might otherwise never have considered.
“David is incredibly generous with his time, knowledge and experience, and this award is thoroughly deserved.”
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