Member Article

£17 million Beamish project to create 95 jobs

Beamish is embarking on an exciting £17 million project, which includes building a 1950s Town and Farm, overnight accommodation and a centre for people living with dementia.

Key outcomes include creating 95 jobs and 50 apprenticeships, as well as attracting 100,000 more visitors a year and enhancing learning and volunteering opportunities.

The project is supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund.

However, Beamish who welcome 600,000 visitors currently each year and employ more than 320 staff and 420 volunteers, are proactively seeking alternative methods of funding.

In a bid to become more of a social enterprise, Beamish is now attempting to team up with North East businesses in a scheme to support its work.

Director Richard Evans will run a Friends of Beamish networking event in the near future, discussing on the Museum’s priorities for the coming year, followed by a broader discussion on projects the Business Friends network could support, which deliver a range of mutual benefits.

For a £2,000 contribution per year, a Business Friend Corporate Partner receives 5 Unlimited Company Passes for staff and clients, Valuable discounts on venue hire for training days, special events and family days and acknowledgement online and on acknowledgement boards at the Entrance.

In addition, invitations to exclusive Business Friends of Beamish events, invitations to VIP project launches and special events and involvement in individual projects are further benefits of the partnership.

Moreover, opportunities have also been developed for individuals and smaller companies.

There is an Entry Level Partner scheme for small businesses costing just £750 per annum and a Personal Business Ambassador membership at £75, whilst tailored or bespoke packages can be arranged to suit business needs.

Current Business Friends of Beamish reportedly include: Northumbrian Water, East Durham College, Go North East, Bond Dickinson, Helen McArdle Care, Robson Laidler, PROPS North East, Handlesbanken Durham, Altec Engineering and Fred Williamson & Sons.

Group HR Director at Northumbrian Water, Sarah Salter, said, “I can still remember my first visit to Beamish over thirty years ago years and it’s fantastic to see how the museum has gone from strength to strength.

“Business Friends of Beamish care about important themes like developing a passion for STEM subjects with young people who are our future workforce in the region, and adding value to our communities through creating stimulating learning and social environments.

“There has been an impressive response from the business community.

Marketing Manager at Helen McArdle Care, Rachel Todd, said “Our first care home, Beamish Residential Home, opened in West Pelton over 25 years ago, so we were keen to supportBeamish and go back to our roots.

“Two years later we are firm Business Friends of Beamish and we have been really impressed with the benefits that it brings to our residents and staff.

“We have also worked closely with the team at Beamish on activities and training surrounding dementia.

“As an employer and a care provider this partnership has been really positive and we would encourage other businesses to support the museum, it really is one of a kind.”