Darlington craft shop expands following five-figure investment
Darlington-based Pretty Knits Wool Shop has transitioned to new ownership and expanded its operations following a five-figure Start Up Loan. Hannah Hazledine-Herd, who originally joined the business as an employee, secured the funding through the Business Enterprise Fund (BEF) to acquire the company and invest in new inventory.

The capital has enabled the shop to modernise its machinery and enhance its dual-service model, which combines high-quality yarn retail with laundry services in partnership with Lovely Laundry Ltd. Since the takeover, the business has reported increased revenue and a broader customer base.

Ms Hazledine-Herd said: "Without the Start Up Loan, I wouldn’t have been able to take over the business and grow it as I have."

Cat Smith of the British Business Bank added that the project demonstrates how "the right support at the right time can unlock real potential" for local entrepreneurs.



Greener Solutions Group targets £10m turnover by 2028
Greener Solutions Group has announced a projected turnover increase from £3.1m to over £4m this financial year following a series of major contract wins. The energy efficiency specialist, which operates nationally from its North East base, aims to reach £10m in revenue by 2028.

The firm has secured significant social housing work, including a contract with Morgan Sindall Property Services for insulation across 130 properties. Additionally, the company has been appointed to the £1.6bn Procure Plus framework, covering retrofit and low-carbon upgrades across the North East and North West.

Director Andrew Wilkinson stated that the firm’s mission is to provide "end-to-end support for homeowners and organisations that reduces fuel poverty." Having formed a new senior management team in late 2025, the 35-strong company is now recruiting for field-based roles to support its expansion into renewables and turnkey retrofit solutions.



RWO engineers secure work on former Weardale Steelworks site
Engineering firm RWO has been appointed by Bellway to provide structural design services for the redevelopment of the former Weardale Steelworks in Wolsingham. The 13.7-hectare site, which was a cornerstone of County Durham’s industry for 140 years until its closure in 2008, is being transformed into a 120-home estate.

RWO’s remit involves complex foundation designs to navigate the technical challenges of the historic industrial site. The project aims to deliver energy-efficient housing while preserving several heritage buildings to maintain the area's character.

Sam Innes, executive director at RWO, described the project as "a challenge from an engineering perspective," noting that the firm’s expertise helped "pave the way for Bellway to progress their plans."

Will Chan, engineering manager at Bellway, added: “They are an important partner, ensuring the engineering foundation work is correct from the start.”



University of Sunderland report addresses North East skills gap
The University of Sunderland and Kada Research have launched a joint report aimed at improving employment opportunities within the North East’s most deprived communities. Titled Workforce Skills Research, the study examines barriers to the labour market and outlines how to create inclusive pathways for marginalised groups.

Funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and Sunderland City Council, the research highlights the disconnect between the region’s growing inward investment and the persistent economic inactivity in disadvantaged areas. Professor Graham Thrower, Head of the Institute for Economic and Social Inclusion, noted: "The north-east is often rightly said to have great people, but sadly we are not always great with people."

The report calls for a more effective alignment between regional skills training and the demands of an evolving economy. Its findings will be discussed at a public event, Understanding the Skills Landscape, held at the University’s City Campus on 26 February.



County Durham cultural programme launches ‘Spotlight’ event series
Into the Light, County Durham’s flagship cultural initiative, has launched the Spotlight Series to help shape the future of the region’s creative economy. The inaugural event at Durham University convened artists, freelancers, and cultural organisations to address the challenges of rising costs and shifting funding landscapes.

Keynote speaker and Peterlee-born comedian Alfie Joey emphasised the importance of collaboration, stating: “We’re at our strongest when we’re not working in silos.” The series aims to gather insights for a forthcoming report on creative futures, which will support future funding bids and evidence the impact of cultural investment on regional wellbeing and economic growth.

Programme Director Julia Handelman-Smith noted that the series marks a "wider conversation" about building resilience in the sector. The initiative is supported by Durham County Council, Arts Council England, and the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.