Help on offer to builders in Durham

Construction companies across County Durham are being offered professional support to help them grow and secure new business.

Durham Business Opportunities Programme (DBOP) is a European Regional Development Fund programme offering business support to SMEs in the area.

Since it was established in 2016, DBOP has run sector specific support programmes focusing on business areas identified as having high growth potential, such as childcare, manufacturing and engineering, and the creative industries.

Managed by Business Durham, the economic development arm of Durham County Council, DBOP has now launched the Construction - Routes to Success Programme, which is designed to help businesses and those in their supply chain win more public and private sector contracts.

The two-year programme will include workshop events such as ‘Meet the Buyers’, expert briefings, and one-toone support sessions.

The aim of the programme is to help companies understand the procurement process, sharpen their approach to bidding for new contracts, and win new contracts and sales orders.

Sarah Slaven, Business Durham’s interim Managing Director, said: “This is an exciting opportunity for constructions companies from across County Durham to benefit from professional advice and support from industry experts.

To find out more about the programme visit www.businessdurham.co.uk/dbop or email DBOPEnquiries@durham.gov.uk.