The Durham Business Growth Summit is the must-attend event for businesses across County Durham and the wider North East looking to innovate, collaborate, and scale up.

Backed by UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) through Durham Business Growth, this event is a powerful platform designed to provide you with the practical support, vital connections, and inspiration you need to achieve your next stage of growth.

Join ambitious leaders for a day dedicated to exploring funding pathways, boosting productivity and securing new contracts.

Why You Can’t Afford to Miss It

This Summit is aligned with the county’s economic ambitions, delivering positive value and insights for attendees:

• Secure Funding: Meet key funding providers and learn about the diverse finance options available.

• Boost Performance: Gain practical, straightforward insights into immediately improving business productivity and efficiency.

• Win New Business: Connect directly with buyers and explore opportunities through the ‘County Durham Pound’ initiative.

• Develop Key Connections: Network with hundreds of established businesses, sector influencers, and crucial service providers.

• Invest in the Future: Understand how to equip your workforce with the essential skills needed for a digital and net-zero economy.

 Who Should Attend?

The Summit is designed for established businesses of all sizes in County Durham that are focused on scaling up and accelerating growth.

 Business Owners, Directors, and Senior Leaders seeking funding, new contracts, and strategic partnerships.

• Professionals from growth and priority sectors, including:

•  Advanced Manufacturing & Automotive

• Life Sciences & Engineering

• Space, FinTech, & Deep Tech

• Net Zero & Logistics

• Visitor Economy & Rural Businesses

• Sector Influencers and Service Providers from the wider region.

Note: This event is primarily focused on the needs of established, growth-focused businesses, rather than pre-start or early-stage start-ups.

Strategic Networking & Opportunities

• Funding Carousel: Get dedicated time to meet one-on-one with key funding providers, including the British Business Bank, Maven, and NPIF II.

• Meet the Buyer / Winning Work: Learn how to secure public sector contracts via the ‘County Durham Pound’ initiative and explore open opportunities across key growth sectors.

• Exhibition Zone: Connect with vital resources, including Business Durham’s support services, property specialists, funding houses, and leading training providers.

 The Core Sessions:

Welcome and Setting the Scene:  County Durham’s Commitment to Growth

·        Hear from Leadership on the County’s focus, commitment and business support programmes.

Durham – The Innovation County: Investing in Your Success

·        Discover the County’s growing prosperity, investment and infrastructure portfolio, (NETPark, Aykley Heads etc) and hear from pioneering local companies.

The Funding Landscape: Access to Finance Unlocked

·        Hear from leading providers (e.g. Maven, NPIF II, FW Capital) and funded businesses on navigating the finance market.

Demystifying Productivity: Simple Steps to Better Performance

·        Led by RTC this session shares straightforward approaches and real-life examples to improve your efficiency and competitiveness.

Skills for Growth: Preparing the Workforce of Tomorrow

·        Learn how to build digital, green and leadership capabilities to drive growth and meet recruitment challenges.