The region’s largest business dinner of the year, the Chamber Annual Dinner at Durham Cathedral, has helped raise £50,172 for the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Hosted last night by the North East England Chamber of Commerce, the event welcomed over 800 regional business leaders. Chief Executive John McCabe said: “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.
"So it is particularly important to us all that we’re able to support the cathedral’s work with our fundraising through tickets and sponsorship.”
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During his speech, John discussed 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.
“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.”
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.
The event helps to raise money for Durham Cathedral and with previous events has contributed a total of £279,652 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. As our region continues to navigate challenging economic times, this is an occasion to celebrate the opportunities created here through enterprise.
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“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."
He revealed that the first £25,000 of gifts received on the night would be matched by a generous donor.
The Chamber Annual Dinner is supported by patrons Gateshead College, Business Durham, Pulsant and Durham University.
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