Key Sectors

Analysis conducted in 2006 showed the importance to Darlington of:

  • Construction and Engineering
  • Telecommunications  
  • Freight Transport
  • Motor Vehicle Engine Manufacture
  • Motor Vehicle Manufacture Sales
  • Health and Social services. 

In addition, the town has a strong presence of kitchen and furniture manufacturers.

Other clusters in the town include the retail sector, hotels and bars and financial and other consultancy companies.  Darlington has been relatively successful in attracting architectural, law and labour recruitment companies.

Darlington’s Growth Sectors

Health & Social Work

This sector is expected to provide the most significant growth in employment through each of the next three successive five year periods.  This will be due to the increase in the number of retired people; changes (outsourcing) in the way the NHS will work in the future and increasing emphasis on local purchasing.

Business & Financial Services

Growth is forecast in this sector due to:

  • Availability of new high spec office accommodation;
  • Excellent communications infrastructure & high quality living environment, and
  • The existing transferable skills within the sector.

Engineering and Manufacturing

This sector has the potential to provide growth with the development of niche opportunities:

  • Concentration on high value processes (such as R&D);
  • Attractiveness as a location for office based operations (such as project management, design and consultancy) and
  • The growth in renewable energy technologies and other technological changes.

Construction

Developments in the Tees Valley and surrounding area may be an important driver of growth.