Hosted by the North East England Chamber of Commerce, the prestigious event welcomed over 800 regional business leaders and saw the stunning North East landmark transformed for the occasion.
Speaking at the dinner, John McCabe, Chief Executive of the North East England Chamber of Commerce, said,
“It’s brilliant to be able to welcome so many members of our region’s business community back to Durham Cathedral for the annual dinner. The cathedral is the embodiment of our special region – this unique building has stood the test of time and it will endure for generations to come. It’s particularly important to us all that we’re able to support the cathedral’s work with our fundraising through tickets and sponsorship.”
During his speech, John expressed his pride in the region, discussing the challenges businesses have overcome and the many opportunities that have been created to pave the way for a stronger, fairer, greener and more inclusive North East. He also shared his bold ambitions for the future of the region. John continued,
Quote from John McCabe, Chief Executive of the North East England Chamber of Commerce
“The Chamber understands the challenges we face in the North East and we’ll continue to shine a light on the aspects of our economy that aren’t working. At the same time, we will never shy away from championing all that makes this such a great place in which to live, learn, work and play."Nobody disputes the enormity of the issues we face but thanks to the collaboration and ambition that have enabled devolution we’ve given ourselves the very real prospect of emerging from the toughest of times to the brightest of futures.”
John McCabe
Chief Executive of the North East England Chamber of Commerce
Andrew Haigh, Chamber president and CEO of Newcastle Building Society, spoke about the resilience shown by the business community through unprecedented challenges, and paid tribute to former Chamber President, Lesley Moody OBE, for her commitment to the Chamber, its members and the region.
The North East England Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Dinner helps to raise money for Durham Cathedral's Raising a Voice appeal, and with previous events has contributed a total of almost £300k to its fundraising to protect the building for future generations.
Reverend Canon Michael Hampel, Acting Dean of Durham, said,
“Durham Cathedral is delighted to host civic leaders and business people from across the North East at this year’s Annual Chamber Dinner. As our region continues to navigate challenging economic times, this is an occasion to celebrate the opportunities created here through enterprise. At the cathedral, we are grateful for partnerships with many individuals and organisations determined to safeguard precious heritage and to achieve a more just and prosperous future for our communities. Fundraising from this year’s dinner will support Raising a Voice, the cathedral’s flagship appeal for financial support to enable talented young people to find a place within our choral foundation and the Durham Cathedral Schools Foundation. The first £25k of gifts received on the night will be matched by a generous donor.”
The Chamber Annual Dinner is supported by patrons Gateshead College, Business Durham, Pulsant and Durham University.
