BUSINESS Durham, the economic development company for County Durham, celebrated the first birthday of its popular networking event, Durham 2sday.

The event, which takes place on the second Tuesday of each month, has engaged with more than 178 businesses from County Durham and the North East over the past year, facilitating many new business relationships.

Daniel Roe, chief executive of business writing company Concision (www.concision.co.uk), said: “For County Durham startups like us, connecting with local businesses is essential. Durham 2sday is in our diary every month. It’s a great opportunity to get to know other North-East business leaders. We’ve met partners, suppliers, even clients.”

Durham2sday provides a collaborative environment in a relaxed atmosphere for businesses to make new connections, raise their company profile and find investments and has been warmly received by businesses from throughout the North-East.

Liam Mcelroy, from Greenlord Studios, said: “Durham 2sday is a small collection of businesses, entrepreneurs and people in the know. On our first visit to the event we very quickly got to talking and learnt about some of the exciting things going on in the Durham area."

Sarah Slaven, Business Development Director for Business Durham said: “We are delighted with the success of Durham 2sday in its first year. We have received some excellent feedback from businesses across County Durham and indeed the whole of the North-East."

Any business wishing to find out more about Durham 2sday or sign up for October’s event should visit www.businessdurham.co.uk/2sday.