Pictured, from left to right, are Tony Hanson, corporate director of regeneration, economy and growth at Durham County Council; David Jackson, marketing director at Durham Cricket; Rhiannon Hiles, chief executive at Beamish the Living Museum of the North; Emma Gaudern, chief executive at EMG Solicitors; and Richard Baker, director of economic development and commercialisation at Durham University

Network formed to champion County Durham

A new initiative aims to bring people together to showcase Durham’s strengths and unlock future growth.

Durham Champions is a newly launched network of local businesses, organisations and individuals who are passionate about County Durham and want to help boost its national and international reputation.

The initiative is part of The Durham Story, which is led by Durham County Council in collaboration with Durham University, Visit County Durham and Business Durham.

Shaped over 12 months through consultation with hundreds of stakeholders, the project aims to highlight the county’s unique character, heritage, culture and economic potential across the UK and beyond.

Councillor Lyndsey Fox, Durham County Council’s cabinet member for economy and partnerships, said: “The purpose of the new place brand for the county is ultimately to help it prosper.

“We are lucky that County Durham already has many individuals and businesses who are great ambassadors for our wonderful part of the world.

“We want to build on their fantastic contribution, and we want more of them, so we can create a powerful ‘team Durham’ approach.

“We have an amazing story to tell, and we all need to play our part in getting that story out there.”

The first Durham Champions event took place at Durham Cricket and welcomed more than 50 attendees from sectors spanning law, sport, tourism, education and public services.

Its goal is to unite voices behind a clear message about the region’s appeal as a place to live, work, invest, study and visit.

Emma Gaudern, chief executive of EMG Solicitors, who hosted the event, added: “I am proud to be one of the first Durham Champions and part of this powerful new network.

“The Durham Story is inspiring and reflects the passion and ambition we have in abundance across the county.

“As an employer, I was excited to see the Durham Story unveiled, and what this new approach to promoting the county can achieve through working together.

“The brand will support businesses and organisations to retain and attract talent, secure investment and create opportunities by putting the county even more firmly on the map.”

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