Bishop Auckland strengthens town board

Bishop Auckland Stronger Town Board has welcomed three new members to support the delivery of a multi-million-pound regeneration programme focused on the town’s long-term growth.

Local residents Brian Sutton, Jack Short and Phil Harnby have joined the board following a selection process. 

The board oversees the allocation of £33.2 million awarded to Durham County Council through the government’s Stronger Towns Fund.

Brian Sutton brings senior operational leadership experience, having held director-level roles at national businesses including Currys/PC World and Everest Home Improvements.

Since retiring, he has remained active locally through community-led initiatives.

Jack Short, the board’s youngest member, works in project management and has a background in retail and public engagement, alongside a strong interest in Bishop Auckland’s heritage and future development.

Meanwhile, Phil Harnby is a director at Bishop Auckland-based Mitchells Grieson Chartered Accountants, with specialist experience in healthcare finance and charity governance.

The appointments strengthen local representation as regeneration projects continue to progress across the town.

Shaun Hope, chair of the Bishop Auckland Stronger Town Board, said: “We are really pleased to have Brian, Jack and Phil joining us. 

“The board has undertaken a great deal of work already towards the transformation of Bishop Auckland, but with projects now starting to come out of the ground, this really is a crucial time for us – and a great time for new members to get involved.

“Between them our new members bring a great deal of experience, from Brian, who has a long career in management behind him and now leads a very active community group, to Phil, whose accountancy expertise is recognised at a national level. 

“Having Jack on board will also bring a younger voice to the group, helping us ensure that our work is relevant to residents of all ages.”

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