Historic castle re-opens doors to boost local economy

Historic Auckland Castle has opened its doors in a re-development project which is hoped will help local businesses as visitors flock to the heritage site.

Businessman Jonathan Ruffer took over the ownership of the Auckland Castle Trust last year in a bid to re-invigorate the site and local economy though a five-year plan.

The castle, in Bishop Auckland is now open to the public six days a week and the project is already having a positive impact on regional businesses involved with its launch.

The castle’s gift shop alone showcases a number of products crafted locally and the cafe is operated by Newcastle-based LoveFood catering.

Newcastle-based law firm Sintons has been part of the local corporate team working behind the scenes to support Auckland Castle Trust in line with the re-opening.

As well as working with the Trust to devise the terms and conditions for events held at the venue, including weddings, the law firm also supports the Trust in ensuring compliance with employment legislation.

Sintons has also helped the Trust to implement T&Cs of employment at the venue and to devise a handbook of policies and procedures for its staff.

Donna Hunwick, solicitor in the Employment Team at Sintons, said: “Auckland Castle is a magnificent venue which, in the promotion of its charitable objectives, makes a huge contribution to the local community and wider North East.

“We are very proud to be working alongside the team to support the Trustees with their employment and compliance issues, and it is a real privilege to be able to play a role in supporting the venue to hold events and weddings, for which they are renowned through the region and beyond.

“As a fellow North East business and adviser to a number of charities in the region, we are privileged to be working with Auckland Castle Trust and we look forward to growing our relationship in the months and years to come.”

The historic site became open to visitors for two days a week in April and has already welcomed almost 1500 people through its doors.

The new opening hours were introduced on May 1, in preparation for the expected surge in visitors over the summer months.

Rowena Hackwood, chief executive of the Auckland Castle Trust, said: “We are pleased to have been able to involve so many North East businesses and organisations in our plans to date and will continue to seek opportunities to build partnerships that will benefit our plans and which will feed back into the regional economy.

“Sintons is one company we’ve turned to for their professional expertise as we prepared to open and the team there has helped guide us through the intricacies of employment law and a host of other corporate issues in a really straightforward and professional manner.

“We look forward to developing this partnership as our plans develop over the coming months and years.”