Around 40 Aycliffe companies attended a news and networking workshop staged by Business Park organisers at Ebac in Newton Aycliffe on 1st March.

Richard Mortimer, managing director of HPM Group, says the event was an eye-opener for him. “It’s fantastic to meet so many of the wonderful businesses that are around us,” said Mr Mortimer, pictured with Ebac MD Pamela Petty.

“Some of them you know about, and some you don’t. We’re getting to meet companies that we didn’t even know existed, and they’re a stone’s throw away from us.

“It’s great to see the new initiative being embraced by everyone. We should all work and trade together, which will only make us stronger as a group.”

More than 100 firms attended the launch of Aycliffe Business Park’s new website, www.aycliffebusinesspark.co.uk, a month ago. It provides a FREE online business directory and also enables companies to promote news and events.

Vice chair of the group, Mrs Petty, said: “It’s creating a real buzz around the park, we’re all starting to talk to each other a lot more and what started out as an idea has really developed quite considerably. “We can afford to do business with each other without giving away any secrets.

“Rival companies are actually coming together now and we’re moving forward as one, for the benefit of the whole park – it’s brilliant.”

Aycliffe firms can register their business on www.aycliffebusinesspark.co.uk by emailing Business Durham on businessdevelopment@durham.gov.uk

HPM Group MD Richard Mortimer and Ebac MD Pamela Petty (2) web