News & Events
SDEA Support Company set to ease pain of red diesel regulations
SDEA through the flagship LEADER supported Enterprise Development Officer programme has helped a new business launch, aimed at helping users of red diesel keep their machinery in good order.
Hitachi Rail: New opportunities for North East businesses
Following the Government’s recent announcement, Hitachi Rail Europe has confirmed, it is to locate its UK train manufacturing facility in Newton Aycliffe
One Year’s FREE membership of South Durham Business Network
South Durham Enterprise Agency (SDEA) in partnership with South Durham Business Network (SDBN) are pleased to offer you all one year’s FREE membership of SDBN.
Welcome to the March edition of our newsletter. In this issue we have information about the Agency, the continuing Developing Small and Medium Enterprise Expertise programme.
Take part in the 'BIG Small Business Survey'
Happy New Year to you all! In this first newsletter of 2011 we have details about our continuing Developing SME Expertise programme plus information of a workshop and membership at The NeST in Barnard Castle.
Well, here is the last newsletter of the year and we have news about our Developing SME expertise programme, the Love Food project and funding for courses for employees with disabilities.
Teesdale Broadband Service Survey
Barnard Castle Vision in partnership with The Enterprise Agency, Teesdale Action Partnership, local businesses and residents, Networks by Wireless has a contractual agreement with Durham County Council to deliver broadband.
'Alternative’ entrants to a North Pennine dales-wide Best Breakfast competition are being sought.
Welcome to our November newsletter which has information on the Developing SME Expertise programme and our new exciting initiative “Love Food” for businesses involved in locally grown or produced food.
Welcome to our October newsletter which has news of free training courses for those of you starting up in business, a new programme – Developing SME Expertise.
FREE Training Courses at South Durham Enterprise Agency
South Durham Enterprise Agency are running a series of FREE workshops on behalf of Business Link North East for anyone who is looking to becoming self employed.
In this issue we have news of training courses for you to improve your business skills whether you are just considering starting a business or if your business has the potential to grow and take on new employees.
You may be aware of the current “Back on Track” campaign being led by Phil Wilson, MP for the Sedgefield constituency, together with The Northern Echo, to encourage the Government to give the go-ahead to the Intercity Express Programme.
Welcome to our August newsletter which packed full of information covering a wide variety of topics is including details of the Rural Jobs Fund.
As part of the charity’s drive to get the North East ready for the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the Sports Foundation is looking to partner with businesses across the region to create a legacy that will make the North East a beacon of sporting success for many years to come.
Test Kitchen for Local Food Producers
'Kitchen table’ businesses in Teesdale, Weardale, Allendale and Derwent Valley who want to expand are being offered the chance to try before they buy.
Welcome to the first newsletter from the South Durham Enterprise Agency. As well as more information about the new Agency, we also have news on training workshops.
Acumen Community Development Trust is a social enterprise set up in 2003 to support change in communities through people.
In 2009 researchers at the Centre for Rural Economy (CRE) at Newcastle University conducted a survey of rural businesses in the North East region of England.
Enterprise, the Economy and Society – a Local Perspective
We believe small businesses are a vital component not only of a local economy but also of our local communities. Our core services are independent and impartial advice, training and mentoring.
Durham County Council and the Durham Economic Partnership want to know more about them and how they can help in the future and are consequently undertaking a research study to gain this information.
As another month races by, here is our newsletter for June. We have information on free workshops for anyone considering starting a new business and another one on how to get the most from your website.
We want you to become a Market Trader
Be Enterprising are offering free, specialist start-up support to people interested in setting up and running their own market stall in County Durham.
We have information on another Search Engine Marketing workshop and grants for young people and for those over 50. There is also news of a new health advice line for businesses and a rural jobs fund.
Teesdale Action Partnership is offering small grants to voluntary and community groups in reponse to the local needs identified by residents. The money is expected to make a difference at a local level and involve local communities in reaching decisions.
Teesdale Marketing Wins the Lottery!
Teesdale Marketing Limited (TML) has recently been awarded nearly £300,000 from the Big Lottery Fund’s Local Food scheme for a three year project to support and promote the production and use of locally produced food in the North Pennine Dales area
Another month has flown by and in this issue we have details of the latest Shell Livewire awards and £300,000 lottery funding for a local food bid
Teesdale to become a digital dale
The Barnard Castle Vision is leading a project, Digital Dale, working with a number of partners, to bring better Broadband to Teesdale
Occupational health adviceline for small business
The Government is piloting a national occupational health adviceline service. Small and micro businesses rarely have in-house human resources or occupational health services to tackle health at work problems and well-being issues when they arise
Local media business receives major award
Local business Teeny Tiny awards scooped a major Royal Television Society award.
UPDATED: Agency is top fund-raiser in the region for the Prince’s Trust
Following on from the highly successful charity ball held at The Morritt along with the launch of the calendar for the Prince’s Trust charity, the Agency has since learned that we are have raised the most funds in this region
Welcome to the February issue of our newsletter and we start with the important news of the winning tenderer bringing Broadband to Teesdale
Finance for Business North East Fund goes live investing £125m into regional economy
A new £125m ‘super fund’ has been officially launched to support hundreds of businesses which will help lead the North East’s economic recovery
Winning tenderer selected to deliver Teesdale’s digital
Barnard Castle Vision is pleased to announce that Networks By Wireless has been selected as winning tenderer for the provision of Next Generation Broadband Access
New county tourism website launched
The new official tourism website for our county went live today. The fresh and exciting website replaces www.visitcountydurham.com and carries the new place branding ‘this is Durham’
New fitness centre gets on top of pies
With help and support from the SASDA development agency, a former 'UK Strongest Man' title holder has started a new health and fitness centre in Spennymoor Town Centre.
Although TCR (Teesdale Community Resources) only registered as a Charity in 1996, is has since 1978 been providing opportunities for all sectors of the community in Teesdale
Happy New Year to you all! We kick off the New Year with a free marketing workshop for anyone thinking of starting a business. We are also hosting more HM Revenue & Customs workshops plus there is news of free driver training
What specialist workshop would you attend? Have your say
Please have your say - as a business, or an individual looking to set up a business, what are your needs in terms of training. Is there anything in particular you would attend?
The Start up Capital Fund helps recently established small and medium sized businesses trading less than 12 months to purchase necessary capital equipment, to aid their business growth and survival
Well, the festive season is here and we bring you glad tidings of free training courses, workshops, an on-line service directory, a new grant for SME’s looking at micro-renewable energy and help for 3rd Sector organisations
Business Dream is Virtual Reality
Businesses can now head into cyberspace and use a “virtual assistant” to take care of all their administration needs
Film-maker sets up shop in Durham Dales
One of the country's rising film-makers has swapped his busy life in London to set up a new business in the considerably more tranquil and picturesque surroundings of the Durham Dales
Agency is top fund-raiser in the region for the Prince’s Trust
Following on from the highly successful charity ball held last month at The Morritt, Barnard Castle along with the launch of the calendar for the Prince’s Trust charity
New digital & creative studios in Barnard Castle
Barnard Castle Vision is working with partners to assess the feasibility of opening new digital and creative studios in the town centre
Welcome to our November newsletter with information on help for new start up businesses, HM Revenue & Customs workshops, free management training, courses for women in arts and a new website for the leisure sector
Local Newsagent Gets to top 3 in National Award
Eric Jordan of Evenwood News has followed his success in being short listed in the Enterprise Agency's Entrepreneur Award by being a finalist in the Newsagent of the Year
You can now watch a short DVD showcasing the county’s cultural credentials. The four minute film, which is available to view on the website was produced by the bid’s creative team
As the winter evenings draw in, we have news of free training and workshops for both new businesses starting up and existing businesses
The Enterprise Agency organised a fund raising event in support of the Prince's Trust Charity, under the Millions Maker Challenge. Douglas Palarm & Abi Harrison of the agency came up with the idea to create a unique calendar based around companies local to the area
Now the holidays are over, it's time to think about training courses to help start your new business or to improve your business growth and we have details of marketing and HM Revenue and Customs workshops
SASDA help local artists to break into the big league - UPDATE
Steve & Chris Rocks are now celebrating a top award. The artists have just been awarded the "Best Selling Up and Coming Artist of the Year" category at the Art & Framing Industry Awards 2009.
Local business success recognised with new awards
Chief Executive of Durham County Council George Garlick, County Councillor Neil Foster, Helen Goodman MP, Lord Foster and David Buffham from the Bank of England all attended the event.
A free Sales course offered jointly by Bishop Auckland College’s Business Training Services (BTS) and SASDA, the enterprise agency in Sedgefield borough, has proved a hit.
Rosedale Utilities Ltd grow faster with SASDA
Ken Wright of Rosedale Utilities sought the help and advice of SASDA Ltd through The Fastest 50 LEGI program (A program designed to help aspiring entrepreneurs achieve high growth by a mixture of Coaching, mentoring and Workshops).
Vice Chairman receives Chairman’s Medal
On Friday 27th March at Shildon Civic Hall Anthony Walters was presented with the Chairman’s Medal. The award is a discretionary medal chosen and presented by the Chairman of Durham County Council.
SASDA Cheers Success of Seamstress
A North East cheerleading seamstress has turned her home-based hobby into a thriving business and recruited seven members of staff thanks to SASDA.
Newsagent Invests to Bring News to the Community
A Shildon shopkeeper has increased her staff to improve the service she offers to readers of The Northern Echo and other morning papers.
Amore - Sharon Cole talks on BBC Radio Tees
Sharon Cole featured on Radio Tees morning show talking about BE Enterprise Start Up support and SASDA WNF help with creating new employment.
Sasda Supports Utter Butterly Success For County Durham Business Venture
North East butter entrepreneur is on target to make her home-made products a household favourite after securing two new national retail deals.
The Wren family want to open a Touring Caravan Park for approx. 30 caravans as a family enterprise. Suitable land had been found and initial discussions had taken place with the local council planning department.
A Sedgefield-based PR consultancy has hired a budding apprentice thanks to £1200 in funding and resources support from local enterprise agency SASDA.
Lets Get Plastered sets away with SASDA support
Local Shildon business "Lets Get Plastered" is booming after receiving self-employment start up support from SASDA's Working Neighbourhoods Fund Team.
A County Durham entrepreneur has injected some American flare into the area with the opening of her beauty parlour with a difference.
Local Co-operative Crafts Community Spirit
A local co-operative business is chiselling, sanding, and painting its way to success with the help of a unique and inspiring group of people.
AFL Fills the Green Gap in the Market
A former operations manager for a multinational filtration firm has turned entrepreneur and set up his own business.
Friends United for Business Success
Two friends from County Durham have tasted success after taking a risk and setting up their own computing business and using the recession as a time to prosper.
Xpress Saving Thanks to SASDA and the Locals
A rural County Durham newsagent which offers a unique shopping delivery service has saved £2000 recruiting local residents thanks to a community outreach programme.
Cafe Expects Siele Of Approval
Michelle Douglas Allison opened what will be Trimdon Station's only coffee shop on Monday, December 22, 2008.
Wear Valley Business Awards 2009
Lots of businesses in Wear Valley are bucking the trend and achieving real success in a difficult economic climate and to celebrate that we have launched The Bucking the Trend Business Awards 2009!
Flexible Families Bonny Baby Contest for Local Residents
Following a Bonnie Babies prize draw event at Ferryhill Market Place on 1st, 2nd and 3rd September Tracey Davis, SASDA, did a small presentation to the winners.
SASDA Takes the Lead in Securing Jobs for the Region
A new initiative will start this summer, aimed at improving job prospects in the local area by providing a range of free business support services targeted at small to medium sized companies.
SASDA and the Newton Aycliffe Enterprise Fair Plants the Seed!
The Enterprise and Trade Fair which took place at Aycliffe Leisure Centre on the 24th of last month has provided a number of new contacts which SASDA are currently working to assist.
Businesses in Trimdon Set to Get Something to Shout About
A pilot scheme specially designed to develop and strengthen local business is set to be launched in County Durham.
Greenfield School and Enterprise Agency Engaging with Young Entrepreneurs
Students from Greenfield School for a taste of what it’s like to start your own business when they embarked on the “Make Your Mark Challenge” on Monday. Teams from year nine were set the a brief to create their own enterprise with the brief of “Let local inspiration lead you to a ‘cool’ creation
Guy set up the business The Mason Partnership in late 2007 to provide Home Information Packs (HIPs) and Energy Performance Certificates (EPC’s). Guy is trained as an engineer and felt he was ready for a role change which would enable him to use his analytic skills but also provide him with the challenge of new skills and the motivation and rewards of being self employed.
SASDA Helps Best in Britain Chippy to Recruit to Cope with Demand
A Newton Aycliffe chip shop voted best in the Britain has taken on a new member of staff thanks to help from SASDA.
The Enterprise Agency for Wear Valley and Teesdale supports 3,800 businesses through a range of support services, business counselling, advice, training and consultancy, and places e-business firmly at the centre of its successes.
Enterprise agency is still the business 25 years on
SASDA celebrated 25 years of supporting people in business at the Locomotion – The National Railway Museum at Shildon on the 10th November.
SASDA's 25th Birthday & WNF Launch 10th November
Business, community and political figures from across the region gathered in the wonderful setting of the Locomotion - The National Railway Museum at Shildon to celebrate SASDA's 25th Birthday and the launch of the Working Neighbourhoods Fund - 'Engaging Employers'
SASDA help local artists to break into the big league
Local development agency SASDA Limited based in Newton Aycliffe are helping two local artists to develop an idea into a full fledged business.
Business & Communities Project Launches with a Bang
Businesses of Trimdon and Fishburn took advantage of the first ever Business and Communities Together project at Trimdon Station Community Centre.
Local Enterprise Agency Scoops Another National Award
The Enterprise Agency for Wear Valley and Teesdale has received a second National Enterprise Award from the National Federation of Enterprise Agencies (NFEA). Last year the local Agency won an award for its Outreach activities; this year’s award recognises its Rural Programme.
An environmental company has predicted a staggering 200 pc turnover increase, won a best new business award and recruited three members of staff.
Local Enterprise Agency Wins National Award
The Enterprise Agency for Wear Valley & Teesdale is thrilled to announce that it has won a highly prestigious award, in the most subscribed category, at the first National Enterprise Awards sponsored by Yell.com







