Defining Growth: Exploring County Durham’s 'Space to Grow' at UKREiiF 2025

County Durham is a region redefining what it means to grow. At UKREiiF 2025 On Wednesday 21st May at 1.00 – 2.00pm on the Scope Public Sector Stage, Floor 2, Royal Armouries in Leeds, the panel discussion “County Durham: Space to Grow – An Opportunity for Investors, Developers, and Businesses to Unlock Their Potential” will dig deeper into how this ambition is becoming reality.

Through three connected themes — place, potential and partnership — the conversation will highlight how County Durham is creating the right conditions for businesses, communities and innovation to thrive.

Theme 1: Defining ‘Space to Grow’ in County Durham

What does 'Space to Grow' really mean in 2025?

In County Durham, it’s about more than just land and buildings — it’s about unlocking opportunity in every sense. The discussion will explore how the region offers a multifaceted platform for business growth through:

• Purpose-built environments like Aykley Heads and NETPark, designed to support advanced industries.

• Tailored support such as the Finance Durham programme and dedicated business services helping companies to establish, relocate and scale.

• Knowledge and innovation from Durham University — driving research, talent development and enterprise.

• Place-shaping through investment in culture, sport and tourism, making Durham not just a place to work, but a destination to live and visit.

The new Place Brand for Durham also plays a pivotal role — projecting a confident and cohesive identity that helps attract businesses, investors and talent to the region.

Theme 2: Sector Strengths as Springboards for Opportunity

County Durham is home to both heritage strengths and future-facing industries — and it’s these sectors that are fuelling the next phase of growth.

The panel will explore how the region is becoming a magnet for companies in:

• Advanced Manufacturing and Microelectronics, backed by physical and digital infrastructure.

• Life Sciences and Space, supported by NETPark’s specialist facilities and Durham University’s world-class research.

• Fintech and Net Zero, emerging sectors that are increasingly drawn to the county’s innovation ecosystem.

• The Visitor Economy, which is not just an economic asset but a contributor to place vibrancy, cultural life and employment.

This diverse sector mix — coupled with cross-sector connectivity — makes County Durham a unique proposition for investors and entrepreneurs alike.

Theme 3: Collaboration and Future Vision

At the heart of County Durham’s progress is partnership — between local government, universities, the private sector, developers, and communities. The panel will look at how this spirit of collaboration is helping turn strategic ambition into action.

Together, stakeholders are delivering bold plans for growth, including:

• The creation of innovation districts designed to support high-growth sectors.

• Shared infrastructure investment to meet the needs of the future economy.

• Inclusive strategies that ensure growth benefits people as well as places.

The discussion will also look ahead: how can businesses, investors, and individuals engage with County Durham’s journey? What does the region’s future look like — and who will help shape it?

Panel Speakers:

• Mark Stamper, Head of Inclusive Economy and Partnerships, Durham County Council (Panel host)

• Sarah Slaven, Managing Director, Business Durham

• Dr Arnab Basu MBE, CEO, Kromek Group Plc

• Richard Baker, Director of Economic Development, Durham University

• Raife Gale, Senior Development Manager, Muse Developments

• Alison Clark, Director of Culture, Sport & Tourism, Durham County Council

Find out more about what County Durham can provide for you Unlock Your Future in Durham - Durham-UK