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All the latest news from the Industry and the Visit County Durham Grapevine newsletter.
Funding opportunity
9 Nov 2022
SME's based in County Durham could access up to 40% funding for business improvement projects costing between £2,500 and £8,000 (maximum grant of £3,200) from The North East Business Support Fund. The grant can be used for any type of business support that will help your business grow. The...
Read More about Funding opportunityBig investment for culture in County Durham
7 Nov 2022
Organisations across County Durham will be supported in delivering key cultural events and attractions after being successful in bids for funding. The Arts Council selected County Durham as one of 54 Priority Places in the UK where it has announced it will be focusing its investment. Durham County...
Read More about Big investment for culture in County DurhamCall for traders for Bishop Auckland Food Festival 2023
3 Nov 2022
Applications are now open for traders to be part of one of the North East’s most popular food festivals. Bishop Auckland Food Festival will return to the town’s Market Place on Saturday 22 April and Sunday 23 April. The Durham County Council-run festival, which this year attracted over 30,000...
Read More about Call for traders for Bishop Auckland Food Festival 2023Coastal survey results
3 Nov 2022
The National Coastal Tourism Academy has published the latest results from their third business survey. Findings indicate that more than 65% of coastal businesses are back to profit post-Covid, a significant increase on previous waves. However, nearly 20% say it will be another year before they...
Read More about Coastal survey resultsEV charging points
3 Nov 2022
If you are a registered charity or small accommodation business, you may be able to apply for the Workplace Charging Scheme, a voucher-based scheme that provides eligible applicants with support towards the upfront costs of the purchase and installation of electric vehicle (EV) charge points. The...
Read More about EV charging pointsDurham Restaurant Week
3 Nov 2022
Durham BID is running Durham Restaurant Week from 28th January to 4th February 2023. It's the perfect way to help people discover a new restaurant in Durham that they've always wanted to try or enjoy an old favourite. Each restaurant is asked to create a bespoke Durham Restaurant Week menu ranging...
Read More about Durham Restaurant WeekSpa plan and new bedroom wing unveiled for Hardwick Hall Hotel
18 Oct 2022
An ambitious scheme to create a luxury spa and health club and additional 35 bedrooms at a Durham hotel is hoping to get the go-ahead from councillors. Hardwick Hall Hotel near Sedgefield is currently awaiting planning permission for the £13m scheme, which if successful will see work begin late...
Read More about Spa plan and new bedroom wing unveiled for Hardwick Hall HotelHamper contribution
12 Oct 2022
Reed Partnership will be hosting three events during November to support Restart Scheme participants in County Durham with the current cost of living issues. The Restart Scheme is a service which helps long-term unemployed people into work. Local organisations will give participants insight into...
Read More about Hamper contributionGrowth Plan Support
12 Oct 2022
The North East Growth Hub has produced a handy update on what support is available to businesses following the Chancellor's unveiling of the government's Growth Plan. Amongst the measures announced were support with energy costs, reversal of the National Insurance contributions rise, and changes to...
Read More about Growth Plan SupportCountdown begins
5 Oct 2022
The official countdown to the 2025 Stockton & Darlington Railway (S&DR) bicentennial celebrations has begun with the unveiling of the new brand for the anniversary, marking three years to go. At the heart of the celebrations are the plans for a recreation of the inaugural journey from...
Read More about Countdown beginsNew Tourism Minister
5 Oct 2022
Life Peer Lord Syed Kamall has been announced as Parliamentary Under Secretary at the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS) and takes responsibility for civic society, heritage and growth alongside tourism. We would like to welcome Lord Kamall to his new role and thank outgoing...
Read More about New Tourism MinisterHotel makes treats a priority for its club members
4 Oct 2022
A top North East hotel has unveiled the latest tranche of treats for those signed up to its Priority Club. 600-year-old Lumley Castle Hotel, at Chester-le-Street, launched the free-to-join membership scheme – which gives access to special offers and early bird event invitations - earlier this...
Read More about Hotel makes treats a priority for its club membersDiscover unique and exciting jobs at Beamish Museum
3 Oct 2022
Step back in time and become immersed in North East history with exciting new jobs at Beamish, The Living Museum of the North. From an Edwardian Engager to a fish fryer, a range of unique roles are being advertised at the award-winning County Durham museum, including in The 1900s Town, new 1950s...
Read More about Discover unique and exciting jobs at Beamish MuseumMaster Chef of Great Britain launches new menu at Lumley Castle
30 Sep 2022
The elite head chef at one of the North East’s most renowned hotels is showcasing his skill and experience with a new, fine dining menu. Jim Hall, recently awarded the prestigious Master Chef of Great Britain title, leads the catering team at historic Lumley Castle Hotel, Chester-le-Street, Co...
Read More about Master Chef of Great Britain launches new menu at Lumley CastleRaby Estates announces high connectivity broadband for Upper Teesdale
30 Sep 2022
Raby Estates has announced that householders and businesses across the whole of Upper Teesdale will have the benefit of ultrafast broadband from the autumn. A programme to bring high connectivity broadband to over 50 tenants of the estate and other neighbouring properties is being rolled out over...
Read More about Raby Estates announces high connectivity broadband for Upper Teesdale