A competitive locationCounty Durham offers a unique package which includes premises, communications networks, high-tech R&D facilities, a skilled workforce and finance. There are two areas in which County Durham can justifiably claim to be unique, its track record and its people.
Since 1987, nearly 300 UK and overseas companies have invested in new facilities or expanded their business operations within the County. These range from world leaders from the United States and the Far East to home grown enterprises. Successfully meeting their needs was as much attributable to quantifiable factors such as sites, suppliers, roads and financial support, as to the willingness and enthusiasm of another of the County's key features – its people. Business leaders from all over the world understand the importance of good people, and County Durham is renowned for the equality and adaptability of its workforce.
A County for the 21st CenturyWhile County Durham's heritage of creativity and innovation stretches back over hundreds of years, its vision lies firmly in the future. North East England is home to five world-class universities, including
Durham University. The depth and quality of their combined research is formidable, covering fields such as nano technology, bio-science, electronics, chemistry, astronomy and engineering. Much of the fruits of this research is already emerging into the commercial world, and there is more to come.
Sites and PremisesA combination of private and public sector investment has created a comprehensive range of office and factory space throughout the County to suit businesses of all types and sizes. Development land is also available at a number of locations throughout the County.
Many of the properties – offices, factory units and warehouses – are available to buy or rent at a range of competitive rates. There are also business and hi-tech units to cater for the needs of more specialist companies.
Land, building costs and property rentals compare very favourably with other areas of the UK, and CDDC already has the right connections to ensure the smooth and trouble-free completion of any new-build project.
CommunicationsThe County's central location within the UK offers distinct business benefits.
With relatively low traffic volumes, travel within the region, unlike many other areas of the country, is simple and smooth, allowing rapid connections to the rest of the UK and Europe.
Major north/south motorway and high-speed
rail links, connecting with London and Scotland, run through the heart of the County. These give swift access to the cross-country routes and, via the Channel Tunnel and
Eurostar service, to Europe. The region's two international airports offer direct flights to many UK centres, as well as to Europe and beyond, and the region's ports include Teesport, one of the UK's largest container ports. All are only 30 minutes from many of the County's industrial estates.
PeopleOne of County Durham's principal assets is its people. Companies new to the County have consistently been impressed by the quality of the local workforce. One of the reasons the County has so successfully diversified from its traditional skills base is the willingness of its workers to adapt to new technologies. Yet, they have not forgotten the traditional values of hard work and loyalty.
FinanceMany companies moving into or expanding within the County qualify for some form of financial support and CDDC can signpost businesses to the best contact.
In addition to the various forms of local support, the Regional Development Agency,
One North East, administers two significant UK Government business support products.
Public and private sector loans and equity investment are also available.