Colin has lived or worked in Durham City all his life and is a complete Durhamphile. As such, he has great faith in the benefits of the Durham BID proposal and in particular that it will really revitalise the City Centre as both a commercial and tourist destination.

Colin is Manager of the Durham Indoor Market, he sits on the Area Action Partnership Main Board and is also a member of their City Centre Development Group.

Michelle is Director of Warm Sanctuary, a Carpet & Interior shop based in Claypath. Prior to setting up Warm Sanctuary with husband Bobby, in 2009, she worked for 18 years at a multi-national glass processing company in a range of roles including; graphic design, department head and senior manager.

Most of Michelle’s spare time is taken up with Grandchildren, hens and sheep, with a little DIY thrown in for good measure. She can be seen, now and again, frequenting the bars and restaurants of Durham enjoying tea after work with hubby.

“I support the BID as it is a great opportunity to bring Durham’s businesses, schools, organisations and the community together to improve the local economy. Everyone, in and around, Durham will benefit from it.”

Neal is the General Manager of the Radisson Blu Hotel Durham. He has 22 years experience in the hotel industry and has worked his way up from a Commis Chef to his current position.

He also sits on the board of Visit County Durham as a non executive director and is the chair of the Durham Hotels Association and well as being actively involved in the North East Hotels Association.

He relocated from London in 2010 and is now living in Crook with his wife and 4 children.

“I think that the time has come for the city, one to realize that if we want to see commercial revitalization this has to be led by all the businesses of the city; and two, the BID is a great mechanism for collaboration between the businesses of the city and the other groups that have a vested interest in the growth of the city as a whole. Together we are stronger!”

Keith Crowther opened La Cookshop 17 years ago and is also Chairman of Durham City Chamber of Trade.

He worked for a number of major housewares manufacturers before starting his "Career" as a business owner.

Travel, local history and a garden keep him busy when not at work.

“I believe that the Durham city BID offers Durham the chance to secure its future prosperity, through the lasting partnership between business that it will bring and help Durham enhance its reputation as a tourist and shopping destination.”

Peter has worked in the South Sunderland and Durham area since 1994 in support of developing the local economy.  This has included working in further education, the voluntary sector (non profit making community business) and local government.

His work has included; supporting the unemployed, business advice and support (Princes Youth Business Trust mentor), managing large economic funding programmes and coordinating significantly large regeneration and housing projects.  These include, amongst others, the Seaham regeneration programme, where he remains a Director of the Seaham North Dock Marina Community Interest Company and Durham Gate infrastructure for a mixed use development at Spennymoor.

Peter’s current role as Strategic Investment Manager, Economic Development at Durham County Council, includes overseeing the delivery of the economic priorities of Durham City.