Meet the team

Durham Business Group is run by a small team based at Portland House in Durham, just outside the city centre and close to the A1.

Everyone plays an essential part in the successful running of the Group, and we all have one thing in common – a real passion for helping businesses succeed, whether those are our North East-based members of Durham Business Club or The Executive Group, or our Durham Office Services clients in the region and beyond.

Alison Gittins

Alison is CEO of Durham Business Group and oversees the group’s day to day operations, including managing the team and developing the Group’s services, with the guidance of the board of directors.

Alison is always ready to provide guidance and support to our Durham Business Club member businesses, and is responsible for organising and managing our informal breakfast events, vibrant club meetings and Executive Group lunches. You will also find Alison actively networking throughout the region!

Aprile Field

Aprile is our Office Manager, with responsibility for managing Durham Office Services. She keeps Portland House functioning efficiently on a day-to-day basis, and sets herself the task of ensuring that our Office Services clients are always delighted with the service they receive from us.

Whether you’re looking to rent an office, book a meeting room or take advantage of our virtual office services, Aprile is ready to help, always offering a professional service with a smile.

Marie Nesbit

Marie is our Customer Relations Manager, with responsibility for making sure that Durham Office Services clients – including our managed office tenants, meeting room users, and those employing our virtual services – have everything that they need.

Marie also supports Alison with managing and attending Durham Business Club and Executive Group events. Marie is often the face that will greet you there, guarding the sign-in sheet, distributing badges, and making sure that every first-time attendee gets off to a flying start.

Sue Park

As our administrator, Sue works across all aspects of the Group’s work – contacting members and guests, helping Alison organise events, answering calls, being a friendly face at reception, and assisting our Office Services clients.