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Testimonials
We work with numerous businesses across the county, not only in tourism but with businesses that support the industry, here's what they have to say about our partnership.
"Working together with Visit County Durham has been an incredible experience for us at the Manor House Hotel and Spa. The partnership has allowed us to combine our expertise and resources, resulting in a very successful showcase of what VCD and the Manor is all about. VCD’s professionalism, shared vision, and commitment to excellence have made the collaboration seamless and highly productive. Together, we’ve achieved milestones that would not have been possible independently, and we look forward to continuing this successful partnership."
Johnathon Cairns General Manager - Manor House Hotel & spa
"The support Visit County Durham has shown my business has been immeasurable, from advice and guidance to bring my idea to life, to exposure and networking opportunities. I launched my business at the Industry Conference and then had the opportunity to promote it further at the Product Knowledge Event, which was of great use - to not only connect with potential stockists and collaborators, but also to meet other local business owners. Visit County Durham is uniquely placed to connect us all together, and the events are a perfect demonstration of this – bringing us together and helping us to learn, collaborate and dream!"
Anya
Durham Mustard
"Here at Balefire we have found VCD to be incredibly useful. Through the Product Knowledge Days and other Networking events, we have made invaluable contacts to support and grow our business.
The speakers at the events we have attended have always had interesting and insightful information about how Durham is being shaped for its future growth so that we can adapt and work to the best effect with other small businesses in the area."
Peter Batten, Director Balefire
"I’d like to thank VCD for introducing me to their Partner South Causey Inn. Susan from South Causey Inn attended a training session I delivered for VCD and, from that, thought I would be a good fit for her venue. I spent the day delivering to three different teams within the venue with a focus on attention to detail, growth and delivery and streamlining. They are also looking to broaden their meeting offering which I was able to help with using my many years of experience in the hospitality sector.
Having VCD as a conduit to other partners is a great way for me to grow my own business and share my considerable experience."
"We have been working in partnership with Visit County Durham for many years and we treasure this relationship. Through our membership we feel part of the wider County Durham Tourism and Hospitality Industry and it helps us to keep informed with industry news and developments that take place within County Durham. As a local producer, we benefit from conferences and product knowledge days which help us to network, promote our product and create new business relationships. Moreover, as a supplier partner, we are more visible by featuring on VCD’s website where we can showcase our business. In a nutshell, we love it! Thanks to all the team who liaise with us and are always here to help."
"New College Durham has really benefited from being part of Visit County Durham Strategic Partnership. The Partnership allows the College to receive key research and statistics which informs curriculum delivery ensuring students have access to courses that are current and provide knowledge and skills which are required by the sector now and in the future. The partner updates are an excellent way to see what’s happening in the sector and in County Durham. The regular meetings provide excellent networking opportunities and have led to students having access to a range of high quality work placements, ‘live briefs’ educational trips/visits and sector based guest speakers. The partnership scheme has also provided the College with the opportunity to provide free training to partners via the Durham Digital Project."
Peter Morrison, Assistant Principal,
New College Durham
"We have worked with Visit County Durham for many years now and find them a valuable addition to our marketing strategy. We find the team to be very helpful and approachable, the website is very easy to use and delivers everything we need to support our attraction marketing each season."
Catherine Weightman
Manager
Down at the Farm
"Visit County Durham is a key asset within our marketing strategy. Fully supporting our business needs, VCD designs and implements a package which is bespoke to our visitor attractions needs and requirements."
Sherene Garvin-Mack
Marketing Manager
Diggerland UK Theme Parks
"Since Weardale Cheese was formed in 2015, Visit County Durham have been a key partner and support throughout. Being Durham born and bred, I love the work that VCD does to promote County Durham and its tourism industry. It proudly flies the St. Cuthbert flag for our wonderful county."
Simon
Weardale Cheese
"I’ve been a partner of Visit County Durham since August 2019. I needed a low cost advertising platform which would benefit me in achieving more direct bookings for my self-catering holiday cottage. The fact that 1 million visitors per annum visit to their website each year was ideal. I have also found the wealth of partner toolkits and information available on the website, the weekly Grapevine emails, the free dark sky friendly events together with the excellent support, friendliness and encouragement of all the staff I’ve has enabled me to develop my business, with minimal outlay, into becoming a dark sky friendly property. This in turn has enabled my business to become more marketable in what would normally be a quiet and unprofitable time of year. I would have no hesitation in recommending Visit County Durham to anyone looking to become a future partner."
Claire & Mike McKeever
Proprietors of Owl Cottage
"Since joining the VCD partnership, I've been introduced to some fantastic people and businesses throughout Durham. I've consistently found new projects and work across the county which has been a pleasure (who wouldn't want to work in Durham?) I've filmed at Bowes Museum, Durham Cathedral, Beamish, Hamsterley Forest and other fantastic locations.
The team at VCD are a huge asset to the region, they are always there to help, guide and assist with any query that I need an answer to. During the recent pandemic, credit and praise goes to the support from Lorraine and Andrew, their consistent communication was very valuable to me and my business.
Above all the VCD partnership is a superb community and I'm proud to be a linked with the organisation."
Gavin Selby
Graphic Designer, Photographer and Videographer.
Arty, Inc.