Durham Business Growth Summit

The Durham Business Growth Summit is the must-attend event for businesses across County Durham and the wider North East looking to innovate, collaborate, and scale up.

Backed by UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) through Durham Business Growth, this event is a powerful platform designed to provide you with the practical support, vital connections, and inspiration you need to achieve your next stage of growth.

Join ambitious leaders for a day dedicated to exploring funding pathways, boosting productivity and securing new contracts.

The day offers a fantastic mix of insight, opportunity and useful conversations, and you’re welcome to drop in and out as it suits you.

Why You Can't Afford to Miss the Durham Business Growth Summit?

This Summit is aligned with the county’s economic ambitions, delivering positive value and insights for attendees:

• Secure Funding: Meet key funding providers and learn about the diverse finance options available.

• Win New Business: Connect directly with buyers and explore opportunities through the 'County Durham Pound' initiative.

• Develop Key Connections: Network with hundreds of established businesses, sector influencers, and crucial service providers.

• Invest in the Future: Understand how to equip your workforce with the essential skills needed for a digital and net-zero economy.

Who Should Attend the Durham Business Growth Summit?

The Summit is designed for established businesses of all sizes in County Durham that are focused on scaling up and accelerating growth.

• Business Owners, Directors, and Senior Leaders seeking funding, new contracts, and strategic partnerships.

• Professionals from growth and priority sectors, including:

• Advanced Manufacturing & Automotive

• Life Sciences & Engineering

• Space, FinTech, & Deep Tech

• Net Zero & Logistics

• Visitor Economy & Rural Businesses

• Sector Influencers and Service Providers from the wider region.

Note: This event is primarily focused on the needs of established, growth-focused businesses, rather than pre-start or early-stage start-ups.

Strategic Networking & Opportunities

• Meet the Funder: Get dedicated time to meet one-on-one with key funding providers, including the British Business Bank, Maven, and NPIF II.

• Meet the Buyer / Winning Work: Learn how to secure public sector contracts via the 'County Durham Pound' initiative and explore open opportunities across key growth sectors.

• Exhibition Zone: Connect with vital resources, including Business Durham's support services, property specialists, funding houses, and leading training providers.

Click here to see a list of exhibitors, speakers and funding providers

Plan Your Day – Make It Work for You

The Durham Business Growth Summit is packed with practical insights, expert sessions and invaluable connections - but you don’t have to be there from start to finish to get value.

Check the full schedule to see which sessions, funding opportunities and networking moments will benefit your business most. Whether you’re looking for finance conversations, networking or strategic partnerships, there’s something built for you across the day.

Drop in when it suits you - come for the sessions you need, stay for the conversations that matter, and get back to your day with fresh ideas and contacts. No need to attend every minute to make this summit work for your business.

Meet the buyer sessions are available on a first-come, first-served basis, so make sure you book a slot when you arrive.

See the schedule below and tailor your summit experience and maximise the impact on your growth plans.