Partner Article

Esh Group makes its mark on the region

A study has revealed that Esh Group, a County Durham based construction company, is worth over £350 million to the regional economy.

Durham Business School (DBS), with backing from Durham City Council, made the calculations, and found that the group benefited the North East by around £357million in 2007 as a result of its ‘Buy Local’ strategy.

DBS has just completed Phase 1 of a two-year study into the economic value of Esh Group’s policy, which supports regional suppliers and contractors. The group says that it has always sought to source products, services and labour from the North East wherever possible.

Professor Rob Dixon, Dean & Professor of Management Accounting at DBS said: “The findings of this study are very important. They clearly show that Esh Group, through employing a conscientious commercial strategy has delivered significant financial benefit to the economic territory in which it is based.

“Our findings suggest that we need look no further than our own backyard in order to infuse economic vibrancy.”

Brian Manning, Chief Executive of Esh Group, said: “It’s really satisfying to have solid evidence that the way we run Esh Group is so beneficial to the North East economy.”

James Ramsbotham, Chief Executive of the North East Chamber of Commerce commented: “The results of this study are inspiring; I am really impressed that Esh Group allowed Durham Business School to examine the business in such depth and detail.

“Buying local makes absolute sound economic common sense.

“We estimate that if all businesses in the North East spent within the region, wherever practicable, with, importantly, suppliers which also adopted this policy the North East economy could be boosted by over £20 billion each year.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .