Business Engagement Team

The Business Engagement Team works closely with other business support agencies and directly with local businesses to achieve a thriving economy in Darlington, promoting the town as a key business location.

The team offers a wide range of business services with the principal objectives of creating and protecting jobs in Darlington; stimulating business opportunities; attracting new investment from outside of the Borough and helping new businesses to set up and existing businesses to expand.

The team acts as a conduit for businesses looking to engage with the Council, providing named points of contact to assist the smooth transition of enquiries made by businesses.

In addition to supporting businesses, the team works with partner organisations and individual residents to tackle unemployment and employability issues, together with improving workforce skills.  Activities are focused on helping businesses undergo training and assisting local residents into jobs.

For further information please contact 01325 388687 or business.support@darlington.gov.uk

Town Centre Management

The Town Centre Management Team works in partnership with the private and voluntary sectors.  The aim is to maintain and develop a vibrant town centre where businesses can thrive.  Town Centre Management reports to a Town Centre Board which meets bi-monthly.  Its members help to drive Darlington forward by providing a strategic direction.  They also act as ambassadors for the town and oversee all Town Centre developments.

On a `day-to-day’ basis, the Town Centre Management team takes an active role in all areas of town centre activity by working to:

• Support existing businesses and encourage new investment in the town centre;
• Help the progress of appropriate development schemes;
• Ensure all users have good access to the town centre and its services;
• Promote and market the town centre through events, publications and the Internet, and
• Help to maintain a safe, attractive and welcoming town centre environment.