Recent News

14 startups chosen in Sunderland esports accelerator revealed
British Esports, in partnership with Sunderland Software City (SSC), has announced that 14 startups have been accepted on to a new esports accelerator programme designed to drive the growth of the gaming sector and create jobs in Sunderland. Supported by Sunderland City Council, British Esports and leading tech sector support organisation SSC have designed the programme to present a unique...

Sustainable packaging pioneer iPac announces major expansion in the North East
Leading North East-based sustainable packaging manufacturer iPac Packaging Innovations, known as iPac, has undergone a major expansion with the launch of its new BRCGS AA+ food packaging site in County Durham. The new site at Tanfield was initially acquired in July 2022 to support the business’s rapid growth trajectory and represents a crucial investment in iPac’s growth journey. Phase one of...

Management buy-out at Sunderland engineering firm Owben signals future growth
Owben, a leading engineering firm based in Sunderland, has successfully completed a management buy-out, marking a significant milestone in its growth journey. The company, which supports businesses to improve their operations through infrastructure and production line upgrades and counts global giants such as Nissan, AESC, Amazon, Zentia and Siemens among its clients, will now be steered by a...

Construction work begins on new Durham Dales Gateway project
Construction works have begun near Bishop Auckland West Railway Station, creating brand-new visitor parking facilities, improving access to the Durham Dales and Bishop Auckland via Weardale Heritage Railway, further supporting Bishop Auckland’s blossoming tourism industry. The Durham Dales Gateway development will comprise 88 car parking spaces, six electric vehicle charging points, five new...

Durham Business Growth programme helps local business fly high
Since its launch in September 2023, the Durham Business Growth programme has helped businesses based in County Durham to elevate their productivity and increase their growth. Helping more than 400 businesses since its inception and open until March 2025, the programme is funded by the UK Government and supported by a variety of partners, including Business Durham, RTC North and UMi. The UK...