Making the Most of Industrial Heritage

Join us at the historic Shildon Railway Institute for an inspiring day that celebrates the creative and market opportunities shaped by our region’s industrial heritage.
This free event brings together entrepreneurs, heritage professionals, and community connectors to explore how County Durham’s proud industrial past can spark innovation, business ideas, and future growth.

What to Expect
Meet local entrepreneurs who have transformed heritage inspiration into successful products and services.
Hands-on idea generation workshops – explore how to create, refine, and prepare an idea for market.
Explore how heritage skills can be reimagined in new and contemporary ways, linking the past to future enterprise opportunities.
Connect with community connectors from the heritage sector to hear about current projects, future plans, and opportunities to collaborate.
Learn about funding opportunities and business support available across County Durham.
Experience the unique history of Shildon Railway Institute and hear about its future vision as a hub for innovation and community activity.
Who’s it for?
This free event is for anyone curious about how our industrial past can inspire fresh ideas for the future. Whether you’re just exploring, already running a business, or simply love local heritage, you’ll find something here for you.

It’s especially for:

People with ideas – big or small – who want to explore how to turn them into opportunities.
Makers, creatives and doers who enjoy bringing old skills into new settings.
Students and learners looking for inspiration, skills and future pathways.
Community connectors and local groups who want to celebrate heritage in new ways.
Heritage lovers who care about County Durham’s story and its future.
Anyone who’s curious about what happens when history and creativity meet.
Why Attend?

Gain insights into turning heritage into enterprise.
Network with like-minded people, entrepreneurs, and community connectors.
Get practical advice on developing your own ideas, products, and services.
Enjoy refreshments provided throughout the day.
This is a unique opportunity to explore how the stories of the past can inspire the businesses of tomorrow.

Photo by Nicola Lisgo, taken at Locomotion – The National Railway Museum, Shildon. © Visit County Durham