Businesses praised for staging DEEP’s first marketplace event

DARLINGTON’S campaign to take up a joined-up approach to the Net Zero challenge gained momentum today with businesses gathering for a showcase event.

The Darlington Employers’ Environmental Partnership (DEEP) staged its first Net Zero Marketplace Event, enabling a host of businesses to network, share knowledge, and display sustainable products and initiatives.

DEEP was formed at the start of 2024 to enable businesses and other organisations in the Darlington area to work together on environmental challenges.

The marketplace event was opened at the Dolphin Centre by Darlington MP Lola McEvoy, who congratulated the businesses on the initiative, which is thought to be the first partnership of its kind in the country.

“When great businesses do things together, that’s when the magic happens,” she said. “I am passionate about this mission and the Tees Valley, including Darlington, is the best place to deliver the transition because of our proud industrial heritage and skilled workforce.”

Councillor Chris McEwan, Deputy Leader of Darlington Borough Council, added: “The purpose of DEEP is to learn from each other – it’s a first for the country and we will go from strength to strength.”

Three new businesses – Willmott Dixon, SSE, and Chestnut Biopolymers – joined DEEP on the day, taking the membership to 38 companies and organisations.

Seth Pearson, Director of Darlington Cares, which oversees the partnership, said: “DEEP is undoubtedly of real interest to businesses, with the numbers growing week by week.

“What’s important is that DEEP remains relevant to businesses and adds value with practical help. This event allows businesses to make contact and share knowledge that will help them towards Net Zero.

“These are early but exciting days for DEEP and we are in the process of listening to businesses to find out what they need, so that we continue to add value.”

One of the exhibitors, Owen McAteer, National Lead for STEM Learning UK, said: “Initiatives such as DEEP are vital so that there is a joined-up approach to maximising the opportunities within the green economy for Darlington and the wider Tees Valley.

“It’s fantastic that a town like Darlington has come together to show true leadership in such an important area.

“STEM Learning UK aims to play an integral role in the aims of initiatives such as DEEP by demonstrating to companies how they can inspire young people to become their future workforce.”

Exhibitors included: TEP Electrical Distributors, Decerna, STEM Learning UK, Braddan Structures, Chestnut Bio, NEPO, Willmott Dixon, Teesside University, Darlington Borough Council, Modeshift, North Star Housing, TICA, Tees Valley Combined Authority, J&B Recycling, SSE, UCS Technologies, Take Root Bio, Trees for Tees.