about us

History

Derwentside Enterprise Agency C.I.C. (DEA) has its origins in the partnership that was formed between Derwentside District Council (DDC) and British Steel (Industry) following the closure of Consett Steelworks in 1980. The closure had a devastating impact on the local economy.

Derwentside Industrial Development Agency (DIDA) was formed as a ‘public and private sector partnership’ to assist in the economic regeneration of Derwentside. DIDA played a major role in the re-development of the Derwentside economy. Many now major employers such as Derwent Valley Foods and CAV Aerospace are examples of significant start-up businesses assisted by DIDA. In addition, many smaller businesses have set up or expanded with DIDA's assistance.

In September 2008 against a much changed economic background and the pending disappearance of Derwentside District Council DIDA merged with two other business support organisations (Derwentside Engineering Forum and Derwentside Business Network) to form DEA.

DEA aims to be the natural first port of call to people in the Derwentside area wishing to start in business and for those already in business looking for advice or guidance. We also aim to encourage businesses into the area.

Legal Structure

DEA is a ‘community interest company'.  It has ‘members’ not ‘shareholders’. A key feature is that there are no dividend payments to members like private businesses with shareholders. While DEA is a 'not for profit' organisation.  It can make a 'surplus' but this may only be used for further its aim.

DEA is registered as a ‘Local Enterprise Agency’. Local Enterprise Agencies (LEAs) are not-for-profit companies, limited by guarantee whose primary objective is to assist new and growing businesses. More information about LEAs can be found at the website of the National Federation of Enterprise Agencies. web link >