Chris Pape, a veteran in the field of economic development and property management, has joined Business Durham as the new Property Director. After nearly 30 years at Gateshead Council, where he helped shape the business landscape through property and enterprise initiatives, Chris was drawn to Business Durham’s unique combination of property management and economic development. Now, he’s ready to take on the challenge of overseeing a diverse range of commercial properties and supporting businesses in County Durham.
Chris’s extensive background includes managing key assets such as the Northern Design Centre and Proto, the UK’s first emerging technology centre. His collaborative work with leading technology innovators like the Digital Catapult has positioned him at the cutting edge of emerging industries, giving him invaluable insight into the needs of modern businesses. His diverse experience in both property and economic development uniquely qualifies him to take on the challenges and opportunities within Business Durham’s property portfolio.
A Wealth of Experience
Before joining Business Durham, Chris spent almost three decades at Gateshead Council, where he played a pivotal role in a variety of projects aimed at boosting economic growth. His work ranged from supporting individuals who had never considered self-employment, helping them establish businesses, to developing and managing large-scale property projects. His deep understanding of how property and economic development intertwine is one of the main reasons Business Durham’s approaches caught his attention.
"I've always considered myself an economic development professional rather than just a property manager," Chris explains. "When I saw the opportunity at Business Durham, I knew it was something special. The chance to manage such a diverse and extensive property portfolio within an economic development setting is incredibly rare."
One of Chris’s most notable achievements in his previous role was his involvement in the development of Proto, an emerging technology centre that has become a hub for cutting-edge businesses in sectors like immersive tech and digital media. His success in integrating property with business development will be instrumental as Business Durham continues to expand its influence across the region.
Why Business Durham?
Chris was attracted to Business Durham not only because of the scale and diversity of its property portfolio but also due to the organisation’s outstanding reputation. Having heard great things about both the organisation and its leadership under Sarah Slaven, Chris was eager to be part of a team that shares his values and commitment to economic growth.
“Business Durham has a reputation as a leader in good practice, particularly in how it uses its property portfolio to fund its broader economic development work,” says Chris. “This is quite unique. Here at Business Durham, the property team is integral to the overall economic development strategy. It’s not just about managing buildings—it’s about using those buildings to fuel broader business growth.”
Chris notes that the opportunity to work within such a holistic framework is rare and was one of the main reasons he applied for the role. The chance to contribute to both the management of the property portfolio and the wider economic objective of the region is a challenge he is excited to take on.
A Clear Vision for the Future
In his first few months at Business Durham, Chris’s primary focus will be on getting to grips with the diverse range of properties under his care, from industrial units that serve local businesses to high-tech spaces like those at NETPark, one of the UK’s premier science and technology parks. He is committed to balancing the development of new, cutting-edge spaces with maintaining and improving the existing portfolio, recognising that both aspects are critical to supporting local businesses.
“There’s a lot of exciting new work to be done, like the expansion at NETPark, which is already underway and will provide additional space for growing companies and attract new, high-profile tenants,” Chris explains. “At the same time, we need to ensure that our existing properties are maintained to a high standard. These spaces are the backbone of our offering, and it’s vital we don’t lose sight of that.”
Chris acknowledges that one of the key challenges in his new role will be ensuring that Business Durham continues to meet the needs of a diverse range of businesses, from small start-ups to large, established companies. By focusing on both innovation and sustainability, Chris plans to ensure that every business, no matter its size or industry, has the opportunity to thrive in County Durham.
Beyond Rent: Building Partnerships for Business Success
One of the key elements of Chris’s approach to property management is collaboration. He is a firm believer that successful property management is about more than just providing space—it’s about fostering a community where businesses can grow and succeed.
“The best landlords don’t just collect rent,” Chris says. “They actively work to support their tenants, helping them grow and develop. That’s something I’m really passionate about. I want to make sure that Business Durham is not just seen as a landlord, but as a partner in helping businesses succeed.”
Chris’s vision for the future involves close collaboration with other teams within Business Durham and beyond, including those focused on business development and inward investment. He sees the property portfolio as a critical tool in attracting new businesses to the region, and he believes that close cooperation between the property team and other areas of the organisation is essential for success.
Chris explains. “It’s not just about finding businesses to fill the space—we need to make sure we’re offering them the right support, whether that’s access to funding, advice, or connections with other businesses and institutions in the area.”
A Vision for the Future
As Chris settles into his new role, he is already looking ahead to the exciting opportunities and challenges that lie ahead. His focus is on continuing to support the businesses that rely on Business Durham’s property portfolio, while also working to expand and modernise the portfolio to meet evolving business needs.
"I'm incredibly proud to be leading such a passionate and experienced team at Business Durham, and I'm excited about what we can achieve together as we work to support and grow businesses across the region," Chris says. "It's an inspiring environment to work in, and I look forward to building on the strong foundations already in place."
In addition to new developments like the NETPark expansion, he’s keen to explore opportunities to further enhance the property portfolio, including addressing supply issues in areas where demand for commercial space is high. He also recognises the importance of ensuring that Business Durham’s properties remain attractive to modern businesses, many of whom have different expectations for workspace than they did even a few years ago.
“The workplace has changed, especially since COVID,” Chris says. “Businesses are looking for flexible, modern spaces that meet a variety of needs. We need to make sure that our properties reflect that, whether it’s through modernising existing buildings or creating new spaces that offer the kind of flexibility and facilities that businesses now expect.”
A Bright Future for Business Durham
With Chris Pape at the helm of its property division, Business Durham is well-positioned to continue supporting the growth of businesses across County Durham. His blend of property management expertise and economic development experience will ensure that Business Durham’s property portfolio remains a key driver of economic growth in the region. Whether it’s through developing new spaces or maintaining the high standards of its existing properties, Chris is committed to ensuring that Business Durham continues to be a landlord that businesses can rely on.
Take a look at the wide range of properties managed by Business Durham here.
