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 over 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 Shared Prosperity Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local businesses, and people, and skills.
Through the programme’s dedicated initiatives, Durham Business Growth offers businesses in County Durham access to financial resources and expert guidance, as well as networking opportunities. The fund supports businesses at a pivotal point in their growth journey, helping them to thrive and contribute to a regional economy that is worth £9.4 billion to the North East.
Two businesses that have benefitted from the programme include Shildon-based business Woodland Flooring and Stanley-based business Marmax.
Operating for more than four decades from their base in County Durham, Marmax Products carefully crafts 100% recycled plastic outdoor furniture and play equipment for venues ranging from theme parks to parish councils.
Facing a vast and competitive market, the team has put great effort into streamlining processes and using efficiency to their advantage, instead of increasing prices. Economic shifts, like the recent uptick in the minimum wage, have posed challenges to this model, prompting Marmax to seek further efficiencies to safeguard the business.
With support from the Durham Business Growth programme, the business has been able to access grant funding, training, and a digital health check to help them become more efficient, remain competitive and introduce new products.
Dave Johnson, Managing Director of Marmax Products said: "Marmax is a proud member of the Durham business community as an employer based in Stanley, employing local people. We have been delighted with the support that Durham Business Growth has provided our company. With the additional funding, we hope to further develop our working practices to safeguard our existing business and expand our capabilities to meet new customer demands and expectations. Our aim is to support our customers in purchasing sustainable products that support their journey towards net zero and carbon neutrality”.
Founded by passionate entrepreneurs Paul Wilson and Thomas Flanagan in 2019, Woodland Flooring has become the largest wood flooring in the UK and Ireland, thanks to tremendous business growth.
Despite welcoming success, the business has faced some common hurdles related to efficiency, which could have an impact on its efforts to grow. Recruiting and retaining staff can also be challenging. To combat this, their ambitious growth plan included acquiring cutting-edge machinery which will aim to streamline processes, reduce waste and unlock new levels of productivity.
With support from the Durham Business Growth programme, Paul and Thomas received grant assistance to help them acquire the crucial machinery needed to further enable the company to meet increasing demand, enhance product offerings and fuel expansion. These changes also have supported staff development, and it is hoped that between six to nine new positions will be created.
Tom Flanagan, Co-Founder and Director of Woodland Floors Ltd, said: "We are immensely grateful for the support provided by Durham Business Growth. Their commitment to fostering local businesses has been a game-changer for us. The grant we received was pivotal in scaling our operations and enhancing our production capabilities.
“With the help of additional funding, we were able to invest in state-of-the-art machinery that not only increased our efficiency but allowed us to expand our product range and improve the quality of our wood flooring. This investment has bolstered our position as the UK's leading manufacturer of high-quality wood flooring and has also enabled us to contribute more significantly to the local economy by creating new jobs and opportunities.
“The process of obtaining the grant was seamless, and the team at Durham Business Growth were incredibly supportive throughout. Their belief in our vision and potential has been a source of motivation and has propelled us to new heights. We are now better equipped to meet the growing demand for our products and are excited about the prospects of our business.
“I would highly recommend Durham Business Growth to any business looking to expand or enhance its operations. Their support can truly make a significant difference".
Mike Baker from Durham Business Growth programme said: “Thanks to the support from our partners and funding from the UK government, we are able to provide thriving businesses within Country Durham the chance to plan for growth, supporting both their business and the region’s economy.
“Working with individual businesses like Marmax and Woodland Floors is hugely rewarding, and we encourage others within the region to find out more about the programme’s unique offerings and variety of resources. “
The Durham Business Growth programme is open until March 2025 and is revolutionary for businesses in County Durham. Enabling business leaders to overcome challenges, seize opportunities and fulfil their aspirations, this transformative initiative aids businesses to harness the power of government support and propel themselves to new heights of success.
To find out more about Durham Business Growth, visit www.durhambusinessgrowth.co.uk
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