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US space leaders to touch down in Durham

Four people stood in front of flags

A senior delegation from Space Florida is making a flying visit to the North East for a tour of some of the region’s most exciting space, engineering and advanced‑manufacturing projects.

The whistle-stop visit, with the US delegation arriving this Sunday, follows last year’s successful Space North East England (SNEE) conference, which Space Florida attended, and a visit to Florida last month by North East delegates.

Those involved in this year’s SNEE conference in Durham in June are hoping the visit from the Americans will turbocharge relationships developed over the last year.

Lisa Mullen, Interim Cluster Director of Space North East England, said: “Space Florida is well aware of the UK’s growing capabilities in the space sector and made a point of visiting several areas across the country involved in this sector last year.

“However, the North East is the only place they have planned a specific, follow-up visit to this year, because they’re excited about the possible collaborations and link-ups that can be made.

“They will spend all Monday reviewing projects across the region, and we’re looking forward to showing them projects we think they’ll be especially interested in.”

Space Florida’s delegation next week will be led by Matt Chesnut, its vice president of business development, who has previously emphasised his commitment to strengthening transatlantic links with the UK.

As well as Matt, the small Space Florida leadership group will also include Zach Bettis, Space Sector business development manager, Jimmy Moffat, vice president of Spaceport Operations and Rufus Brabble, the Consul General to Miami.

Lisa says SNEE’s job next week will be to showcase the region’s growing capabilities in satellite technology, instrumentation, and high‑value manufacturing.

The tour will begin at 3S Northumbria – a start-up led by Ralph ‘Dinz’  Dinsley, the charismatic creator of a company creating ways to tackle the growing problem of space debris in the atmosphere, posing a risk to satellites.

From there, the delegation will head to Northumbria University to meet the team behind the new £50m North East Space Skills and Technology Centre (NESST) — the university’s cutting‑edge space engineering and satellite‑testing facilities currently under development.

The group will get an update on the building’s construction and hear how the site will boost research, skills and industry collaboration once complete.

The afternoon will be spent at NETPark in Sedgefield, the region’s flagship science and technology park. 

Space Florida representatives will join a working lunch with companies from the Space North East England cluster, who will showcase their expertise and current projects. 

The session will also include an overview of Durham University’s SPARC (Space Research Centre), which leads research into astrophysics, instrumentation and space‑science applications.

The delegation will then tour Durham’s Centre for Advanced Instrumentation (CfAI), home to world‑class facilities that develop optics and precision instruments for astronomy and space missions.

And the visit concludes at Filtronic’s new NETPark facility, where the US team will see one of the region’s strongest space‑manufacturing success stories. Filtronic specialises in advanced RF, microwave and mmWave technologies used in satellite communications and high‑performance aerospace systems.

Lisa Mullen said the visit was a major opportunity to showcase the region’s capabilities on a global stage.“Space Florida is one of the most influential organisations in the US commercial space sector, so hosting them here is a fantastic endorsement of what our region is achieving,” she said. “We want them to see the ambition, the skills and the collaborative spirit that make the North East such a strong partner for future space‑sector growth.”

Further discussions between the organisations are expected following the visit.

* This year’s North East Space Conference is due to be held at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Durham on Tuesday, June 9th, from 9 am to 3 pm. Entry is free. For more information, visit the Space North East England page here.

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International cricket in Durham set to bowl visitors over

People watching a game of cricket at Chester-le-Street

High-profile international matches will bring world-class cricket, and visitors, to Durham during 2026, showcasing elite talent and offering local fans a chance to watch England play close to home.

Banks Homes Riverside, home of Durham Cricket, prepares to welcome three major England international matches in 2026.

The international season kicks off on Sunday, 10 May with England Women taking on New Zealand Women in a One Day International. This fixture launches both the international season and the New Zealand series, providing a perfect opportunity for supporters to see the England Women’s side in action ahead of the Women’s T20 World Cup later this year.

The venue will then host two men’s internationals. The first set to take place on Wednesday, 1 July, as England Men face India Men in a Vitality IT20. The programme concludes on Tuesday, 22 September, with England Men versus Sri Lanka Men in a Metro Bank ODI.

Durham has a long-standing history with cricket, and hosting matches such as those taking place this summer helps to boost the economy and showcase the county on the world stage. Not only will fans travel to games and spend money in the visitor economy, but with billions watching worldwide, it is an incredible promotional platform.

David Jackson, Director of Marketing at Durham Cricket, said: “We are looking forward to hosting three England internationals this year. The schedule creates a perfect cricketing summer, allowing fans to experience top-level action right here in County Durham from May right through to September. With the Women’s T20 World Cup on the horizon, seeing England Women start their build-up against New Zealand is particularly special. We look forward to welcoming supporters from across the region and beyond to create unforgettable atmospheres.”

Michelle Gorman, managing director at Visit County Durham added: “Hosting these prestigious England internationals is fantastic news for Durham and the wider North East. As well as delivering a significant boost to the local economy through increased visitor numbers, hotel stays, dining and transport, they highlight our county as a premier destination for major sporting occasions, showcase our world-class facilities, and

encourage more people to discover the amazing attractions, heritage and hospitality Durham has to offer.”

Tickets for these matches are available through official channels. For more information, visit the Durham Cricket website or contact the box office at 0191 387 1717. Email: box.office@durhamcricket.co.uk.

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To Florida, Nasa and beyond! Durham flies flag for the region’s space sector as part of North East delegation

A group of people standing outside of NASA space station

Experts, entrepreneurs, innovators, and scientists from the North East have travelled to the United States to seek interest and investment in the region’s booming space sector.

The Space North East England delegation touched down in Orlando for Florida Commercial Space Week, kicking off a packed programme of conferences, meetings and site visits across the Space Coast.

The delegation included representatives from UK space companies and the North East’s universities, all travelling with a shared ambition to build international partnerships, showcase capability and explore new opportunities for collaboration.

Those taking part included Durham, Newcastle and Northumbria universities as well as North East companies MSP and NEL Technologies.

Lisa Mullen, Interim Cluster Manager of Space North East England who coordinated and led the trip, said: “Our mission brought the North East England’s leading innovators into the heart of Florida’s booming space ecosystem during Commercial Space Week to SpaceCom 2026.

“It helped us forge new collaborations and opened market opportunities, as well as reinforcing transatlantic links across the commercial space sector.”

Over the course of the five-day visit, which concluded at the weekend, the North East team met global space leaders, showcased North East and UK capability and built relationships that will support future growth and investment.

The first day was spent at the University of Central Florida, with the delegate programme focusing on industry, academia, and the broader space ecosystem.

The next day, the delegation headed to Florida’s Space Coast for meetings and site visits with some of the world’s most influential space organisations, including Space Florida.

The third day included a tour of the NASA Kennedy Space Centre to gain firsthand insight into the scale of their space launch operations and to learn what it takes to put a rocket in orbit for deep-space travel.

The highlight was seeing the SLS rocket on the launchpad during the final preparations before launch as part of the Artemis II mission, which will see crew on a lunar flyby to test the Orion spacecraft’s navigation, life support, and other systems in deep space, ahead of future landing missions.

Suitably inspired, the final two days were spent attending Commercial Space Week, SpaceCom 2026 in Orlando to pitch their products and services to potential investors and partners.

Lisa said: “It was a fantastic visit for the delegation and we hope we’ve done the North East proud and that the relationships we’ve built and the contacts we’ve made will benefit the region’s space sector, which has continued to go from strength to strength in recent years.

“There’s no substitute for being in the room where things are happening, and it was great for us to be there representing the region, showing the skills and expertise we can contribute to investors in this field.”

The visit was arranged by the Government’s Department for Business and Trade and hosted by the British Consulate General in Miami.

A delegation from Space Florida is expected to visit the North East next month to further strengthen international ties and develop existing links.  Space North East England is looking to bring everything together when it holds its annual North East Space Conference for regional, national and international delegates this June.

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Durham research reveals North East England leads UK on scaleup growth

A series of roof tops

New research from Durham University Business School reveals the North East England led the UK on business scaleup growth in 2020-2023, challenging long-held assumptions about regional disadvantage.

Research from Durham University’s Smart & Scale programme

The study, conducted through the Business School’s Smart & Scale programme, is led by Dr John Moffat and Dr Stephanie Scott.

The research examined high-growth firms, the barriers they face, and conditions for sustained performance.

Using internationally recognised definitions of scaleup growth, the findings show a more encouraging picture of the North East England economy.

Between 2020 and 2023, North East England recorded the UK’s highest scaleup rate under the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) definition.

1.8 per cent of firms met the definition of average annual growth in employment or turnover of at least 20 per cent over three years and employment of 10 or more. This compares with a UK figure of 1.55 per cent.

Women-led firms exceed national benchmarks

Notably, women-led businesses in North East England outperformed national scaleup rates at the highest growth thresholds.

This challenges assumptions about regional disadvantage and highlights the strength of the region’s pipeline of ambitious, high-performing firms.

The importance of aligned enterprise ecosystems

The study shows aligned enterprise ecosystems are critical for business growth.

Collaboration between universities, support organisations, and policymakers improves outcomes for scaling firms.

It is particularly valuable during economic transition and leadership change.

These findings align with independent evaluations of regional scaleup initiatives, including Scaleup North East.

This programme delivered by RTC North, improved turnover and productivity for participating businesses.

Alongside the Entrepreneurs’ Forum’s Scaleup Leaders’ Academy, these programmes are recognised nationally by the Scaleup Institute.

The research shows such initiatives work best when evidence informed and locally embedded.

They are most effective when connected to a wider ecosystem of expertise and delivery.

Executive Dean, Professor Kieran Fernandes said:

“This research highlights the importance of strong enterprise ecosystems, where collaboration between universities, support organisations, and policymakers is critical to translating ambition and innovation into sustained economic performance.”

Informing future policy and practice

The findings will guide the Business School, partners and policymakers to strengthen North East England’s scaleup capacity. They will help build on successful approaches and support sustainable high-growth enterprise.

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Kynren gains national recognition in The Telegraph

CGI of what the Storied Lands will look like at Kynren.

Kynren, the award-winning live action spectacular based in Durham, has been featured in The Telegraph’s travel round-up “20 reasons why you don’t need to leave Britain this year”.

The article highlights standout experiences and attractions across the UK and positions Britain as a world-class destination for 2026. 

The Telegraph highlights The Storied Lands, a major new daytime attraction coming to Durham in summer 2026, created by the team behind Kynren and described as a truly immersive historical experience.  

The Storied Lands will open on the 11Arches site in Bishop Auckland, inviting visitors to embark on a journey through time where history, myth and legend are brought vividly to life through live-action shows, spectacular performances and storytelling.  

It promises to be an immersive experience focused on a series of live performances featuring thrilling stunt work, dramatic narratives and cutting-edge productions that span British history. 

The inclusion of The Storied Lands in The Telegraph not only affirms Kynren’s growing reputation as a cultural leader and visitor attraction, but also underlines the importance of bringing heritage to life in innovative ways for todays audiences, in strengthening the county and wider region’s cultural and economic profile. With summer 2026 on the horizon, anticipation is building for what promises to be one of Britain’s most talked-about new attractions of the year. 

Read the full article here: 20 reasons why you don’t need to leave Britain this year 

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Durham Champions gather to hear county success stories

Left to right: Kate Culverhouse, Banks Group; Michelle Cooper, Point North; Julia Handelman-Smith, Director of Into the Light; Michael Canavan, Durham County Council.

Over 50 businesses, organisations and individuals from across County Durham came together this week for the third Durham Champions meeting.

This county-wide network of people who are passionate about the place and want to see it thrive, heard inspiring talks from Kate Culverhouse, Community Relations Manager at Banks Group – a successful Durham-born and based business celebrating 50 years in 2026; Michael Canavan from Durham County Council, Strategic Lead for Aykley Heads – a unique City Centre development site which is set to be the catalyst for the Durham Innovation District; and Julia Handelman-Smith, Director of Into the Light – a place-based partnership designed to drive long-lasting growth in County Durham through culture.

The event took place on Wednesday 21 January at Redhills, Durham Miners Hall, and provided businesses and individuals who want to work together to promote County Durham, and raise its profile as a place to live, work, invest, study and visit, with great success stories and information on exciting developments which they can share with their own networks and channels. This collaborative approach will see organisations and individuals join forces and unite behind the brand to build the county’s image, identity and reputation, and harness profile-raising opportunities to reach audiences essential for the county’s future economic success.

The county’s place brand, ‘The Durham Story’, is an extraordinary blend of beauty, enterprise, heritage, culture and ambition, found in all four corners of the county. It shines a light on what makes County Durham special, its distinctiveness and character, and the opportunities for growth and development. And since its launch 10 months ago, it has received huge support, with stakeholders welcoming the compelling new proposition and bold approach to showcasing County Durham on a national and international scale.

Cllr Karen Allison, Durham County Council’s Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Leisure, Tourism, Regeneration and High Streets, said: “The Durham Champions network continues to go from strength to strength with each event bringing together individuals, businesses and organisations who are committed to championing Durham and sharing positive stories about the county. This growing engagement highlights the value of collaboration in raising Durham’s profile and creating future opportunities. It’s encouraging to see the Champions network continue to develop and expand.”

Michelle Cooper, Chief Executive of Point North, hosted the event and said: “Hosting the event today made me realise just how important the Durham Champions are, and the opportunity we have to all help make a difference. The stories we heard were truly inspiring and reflect the passion and ambition we have in abundance across the county. There are still a lot of misconceptions out there about Durham, but by working together and uniting behind our county’s unique story, we can change those opinions and help the county prosper.”

Image: left to right: Kate Culverhouse, Banks Group; Michelle Cooper, Point North; Julia Handelman-Smith, Director of Into the Light; Michael Canavan, Durham County Council.

To find out more sign up to become a Durham Champion.