Working for BusinessCounty Durham Development Company (CDDC) encourages innovation and investment on behalf of Durham County Council and was established in 1987 to add weight to the effort to bring much needed investment and jobs into the County. Efforts that have helped create or safeguard nearly 50,000 jobs for the people of County Durham.
CDDC plays a central role in shaping the County's future economic profile, helping to create the kind of supportive environment in which businesses can thrive. It does this by seeking out potential inward investors, by supporting local businesses, and by driving forward the County's knowledge economy through the development of
NETPark.
CDDC is in constant touch with new investors, and new and existing businesses. This means that it has a clear understanding of the needs and concerns of businesses based in County Durham and those considering relocating to the County.
To help County Durham companies develop new products and markets, CDDC has developed NETPark Net, best described as a 'virtual science park'. It opens up the benefits and facilities of NETPark, from technology incubation to virtual office facilities, to every company in County Durham and the wider north east of England.
TeamworkThe CDDC team has extensive and wide-ranging experience of the County's economy. Together with its strong business and technology networks, local knowledge and database resources, this means every client receives personal and precisely-tailored advice and support.
CDDC will help identify sites or premises, local suppliers, recruitment and training support, sources of financial assistance and potential business contacts.
Working in PartnershipTo ensure the best investment opportunity is offered to businesses, CDDC works closely with the region's other economic support agencies. These include
UK Trade & Investment, the
Government Office for the North East and the Regional Development Agency
One North East.
CDDC acts as One North East's sub-regional partner in the implementation of the regional Strategic Account Management Programme (SAMP), gathering in-depth information about UK and overseas-owned companies investing in the region. Links with utility suppliers, legal, financial and other service providers further strengthen support available to local businesses.
CDDC also works with colleagues in
Business & Enterprise North East (formerly Business Link), the
North East Chamber of Commerce, local authorities and the region's five universities. These special partnerships mean CDDC can draw on the best resources and expertise, as well as providing businesses with a useful network of contacts for every investment or business opportunity.
Such partnerships have also been vital in the development of the science, engineering and technology based economy throughout County Durham.