About us

The South Durham Enterprise Agency is the result of a merger between the Enterprise Agency for Wear Valley & Teesdale (TEAWVT) and SASDA (Sedgefield and Shildon Development Agency) on 1st July 2010. The Enterprise Agency operates across Sedgefield, Wear Valley and Teesdale with offices and staff based in and focused on each of these local areas.

An award-winning economic development agency, we are independent and not for profit. Our mission is to create & sustain jobs in the local community, which is delivered through four aims:

  • Developing and supporting sustainable businesses & communities
  • Providing an environment in which businesses can work, grow & succeed
  • Encouraging and supporting economic development initiatives
  • Developing a dynamic, innovative and effective Enterprise Agency

Core Activities:

  • Supporting new & existing businesses
  • Management Training & Development
  • Voluntary, Community & Social Enterprise

Key Competencies:

  • Business Development – Start Up & Growth
  • Innovation
  • Marketing
  • HR
  • E Business & Digital Media
  • Finance
  • Procurement & Supply Chain Development
  • Project Management
  • Property Management

Organisation

The Agency is lead by a Chief Executive, reporting to a Board of Directors made up of key people from the regional community and businesses, who are governed by a membership of 40. We have a staff team of Business Advisors, Specialists, Managers and Administrators.

The Agency is also closely involved with a number of stakeholders and partners including:

Local

Durham County Council
BA College
UTASS
Teesdale Marketing
8 Area Action Partnerships

Sub Regional

CDEP
Co. Durham Development Co.
Co. Durham Enterprise Agencies

Regional & National

National Federation of Enterprise Agencies
Government Office North East
Business and Enterprise North East
a4e Consulting