Key Industries

Some of those sectors are highlighted below:

Advanced Manufacturing
Durham has the largest economy in the North East, contributing to it being the UK lead for advanced manufacturing foreign direct investment per capita. 

Digital & Fintech
Durham is a major contributor to the UK’s fast-growing digital sector, with the county being home to ground-breaking businesses in this field.

Electrification
Durham and the North East are at the forefront of electrification, providing the knowledge, materials and supply chain required by businesses.

Life Sciences & Healthcare
Durham and the North East’s life sciences and healthcare sector is the largest in England in terms of the proportion of population working in it.

Space & Satellite Applications
The Centre of Excellence funded by the UK Space Agency and Satellite Applications Catapult supports a cluster of companies engaged with space. 

International reputation

The county’s international reputation also make it a natural choice for academic and cultural conferences.

Academic Excellence
Durham University, a world top 100, is renowned internationally for its academic excellence and world-class facilities. 

The Culture County
Durham’s UK City of Culture 2025 bid made history when it became the first county ever to make the final shortlist.