'Netting' success by tapping into skills on the doorstep
It is important where possible to safeguard jobs, but equally important to retain a competitive edge, says Stewart Watkins.
FACED with a deep and global economic crisis, companies across the world are having to assess their position in the market. Innovation will be crucial to help them stay ahead of the competition.
With County Durham fast becoming a hub of innovation, its businesses are already tapping into resources on their doorstep.
Driving the county’s reputation at the cutting edge is the North East Technology Park (NETPark) where some of the most exciting young science and technology firms are based. True, many other County Durham businesses will ask how the park is relevant to them.
As a community of companies working in highly specialised areas of research, NETPark’s connections with other County Durham firms may not be directly obvious. But there are myriad opportunities for firms operating in other sectors to capitalise upon the expertise of NETPark and apply them to their own businesses.
The NETPark Net initiative allows companies around the county to avail of the facilities, services and expertise without even being on site. These facilities range from tendering opportunities, access to experts, workshops and clinics, introduction to investment opportunities and a full range of office support.
The programme enables traditional manufacturers to link in with some of the innovative new technologies being developed on NETPark, and to enhance their own products accordingly. The collaboration between different sectors tapping into the value of NETPark is vital to underpin the county’s economy.
Amid the economic crisis, County Durham has continued to respond to changing economic conditions. With high volume manufacturing taking place elsewhere, it is having to concentrate on its inherent strengths to help indigenous businesses to flourish and grow.
Knowledge economy is one of these key strengths, for the expertise and intellectual property that resides in the region cannot easily be taken offshore. By further developing strength and resources in this sector the county can help anchor companies and new technologies in the region. However, growth of this sector will not simply bring about a county of people in white coats.
Instead, it will create a whole range of job opportunities from lab technicians to administrative and other support staff. Research shows that for every job created on a science park, two and a half more jobs are created in the broader community, with positive effects on the wider supply chain.
Much of the innovation among County Durham’s manufacturers is being driven by the low-carbon agenda:
CA Group, near Bishop Auckland, is producing environmentally aware components for construction that are thermally efficient.
Romag, based in Consett, has developed a revolutionary new electric vehicle charging solar canopy. Panels on the canopy convert sunlight into electricity which can then go to charge electric vehicles (also under development in the North East). Leftover power is fed into the Grid.
Thorn Lighting’s recent investment in the county with a major new manufacturing plant in Spennymoor proves the county still has a strong manufacturing capability. Thorn, though, recognises the importance of looking to new technologies and is developing solid-state lighting which uses only about 20% of conventional lighting energy.
Major County Durham-based companies like Northumbrian Water and Hargreaves Services are also consistently innovating. In the current climate it is important where possible to safeguard jobs. But it is equally important to retain a competitive edge.
I am confident about County Durham’s future. By embracing innovation and new technology in the ways it is doing, its companies can stay ahead of the competition and continue to build a strong and vibrant economy, well placed to weather the economic downturn and come out even stronger and more competitive.
Stewart Watkins is managing director of County Durham Development Company
