Driving County Durham’s Future: The Durham Business Growth Summit 2026
- gracebell7
- Nov 17
- 3 min read
County Durham’s business community will gather this February for one of the region’s most influential events — the Durham Business Growth Summit 2026.
11 February 2026 | 9:00am – 2:00pm | Radisson Blu, Durham
Sponsored by Durham Business Growth (DBG) and supported by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), this landmark event will bring together ambitious business leaders, innovators, and growth-focused organisations from across the North East to explore the next phase of Durham’s economic success.
Empowering Business Growth in County Durham
The Durham Business Growth Summit is designed to help established businesses access funding, boost productivity, and expand their networks.
With support from Durham Business Growth, the event will deliver practical insights, expert-led sessions, and valuable connections to help organisations scale up and succeed in an evolving marketplace.
From exploring the latest investment opportunities to understanding how to secure new contracts through the County Durham Pound initiative, the day offers a direct route to growth for businesses across the county.
Why Attend the Durham Business Growth Summit?
This event provides the perfect platform to gain expert advice, discover funding opportunities, and connect with peers and partners driving innovation across County Durham and the wider North East.
Key benefits include:
Access Funding Opportunities – Meet with leading finance providers, including British Business Bank, Maven, and NPIF II, to explore funding routes tailored to your business.
Boost Productivity – Take away actionable insights to improve performance and efficiency through RTC North’s “Demystifying Productivity” session.
Win New Contracts – Learn how to secure public sector contracts via the County Durham Pound initiative.
Develop Skills for Growth – Explore how to build digital, green, and leadership capabilities to strengthen your workforce.
Connect and Collaborate – Network with hundreds of established businesses, sector leaders, and strategic partners across County Durham.
Who Should Attend?
The Durham Business Growth Summit 2026 is designed for established, growth-focused businesses seeking to expand, innovate, and scale.
Ideal attendees include business owners, directors, and senior leaders from key growth sectors such as:
Advanced Manufacturing & Automotive
Life Sciences & Engineering
Space, FinTech, & Deep Tech
Net Zero & Logistics
Visitor Economy & Rural Enterprises
If your organisation is ready to invest in growth, innovation, and long-term success, this is the event to attend.
Event Highlights
Funding Carousel
Meet one-on-one with key funding providers and learn how to access the right financial support for your growth plans.
Meet the Buyer / Winning Work
Gain expert insight on securing local contracts and accessing public sector opportunities through the County Durham Pound.
Exhibition Zone
Connect with essential business resources, from property and funding specialists to training and support providers.
The Core Sessions
Welcome and Setting the Scene: County Durham’s Commitment to Growth
Hear from county leaders and industry experts on Durham’s economic ambitions and business support ecosystem.
Durham – The Innovation County: Investing in Your Success
Explore County Durham’s major investments and infrastructure developments, including NETPark and Aykley Heads, and hear from pioneering local companies.
The Funding Landscape: Access to Finance Unlocked
Understand the finance landscape with insights from Maven, NPIF II, FW Capital, and funded businesses.
Demystifying Productivity: Simple Steps to Better Performance
Learn straightforward methods to improve productivity, competitiveness, and profitability.
Skills for Growth: Preparing the Workforce of Tomorrow
Discover how to equip your workforce with the skills needed to thrive in a digital and net-zero economy.
Shaping Durham’s Business Future
The Durham Business Growth Summit 2026 is more than a networking event — it’s a catalyst for collaboration and innovation.
By bringing together the region’s business community, investors, and growth specialists, the Summit supports County Durham’s vision of becoming a leading hub for enterprise, productivity, and sustainable growth.
Event Details
Date: 11 February 2026
Time: 09:00 – 14:00
Venue: Radisson Blu, Frankland Lane, Durham DH1 5TA
Main Sponsor: Durham Business Growth
Supported by: UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF)
Join the Leaders Shaping Durham’s Economy
Don’t miss this opportunity to connect, collaborate, and grow.
👉 Register your place today to be part of the Durham Business Growth Summit 2026 and help drive the future of business success in County Durham.
