David Land is CEO of The Auckland Project, the North East-based charity regenerating the market town of Bishop Auckland through the arts, heritage and culture. It comprises a unique collection of heritage attractions, galleries, gardens and parkland at the heart of County Durham.
What was your first job, and what did it pay? I grew up in Bishop Auckland and started as an apprentice at Cummins Engines, where I was paid the princely sum of £7, six shillings and eight pence! I like to think of it as an early lesson in economic resilience – if you can stretch that wage, you can budget for anything. It was a foundational experience that taught me the value of community and that hard work pays off.
What is the best advice or support you’ve been given in business? Be true to yourself and keep it simple. I was also advised early on to focus on the bigger picture and never fear taking risks. Staying adaptable is crucial in any sector - especially arts and heritage. If you stand still, you get left behind.
What are the main changes that you’ve seen in your business/sector, and what are the challenges you are facing? Innovation is moving at lightning speed. If you want funding for AI and virtual reality, no problem – there’s an abundance of funding you can apply for. But there's stagnation in other crucial areas. This poses a considerable challenge.
One of our biggest challenges is awareness. I’m constantly surprised by how many people, even as close as Newton Aycliffe, Teesside, or Newcastle, haven’t heard of The Auckland Project or Kynren. It’s like having a hidden gem in plain sight! Then there’s the cost-of-living crisis. We’ve tackled this with initiatives like our recently launched Bishop’s Key, our new tiered annual pass: £30 for adults, £24 for locals, and £5 for those on Universal Credit. Our goal? Ensuring everyone has access to history and culture, no matter their financial situation.
What would your dream job be? Manager of Newcastle United – though I suspect chances are slimmer than a VAR decision in our favour. That said, clichés exist for a reason, and my current role is hard to beat. I didn’t take this job as a career move – I left mainstream employment in 2014. I took it because I believe in what The Auckland Project can achieve. Jane Ruffer’s words sum it up best: "Until children growing up here have a safe home life and enough to eat every week of the year and the confidence to expect a good job in their town or are equipped with training so they can work further afield, we will not have delivered for Bishop Auckland.” It is a privilege to be part of something bigger than myself. Bishop Auckland shaped me, and now I get to play a role in shaping its future.
What advice would you give to someone starting a career in your sector? Be clear and transparent about what you want to do – and again, be true to yourself. Also, seize every opportunity! I’ve banned the word “no”. Instead, I want to hear, “we can’t do that, but we can do this…”. Creativity is key, and I encourage everyone around me to think differently. Throughout my career, I have striven to eradicate barriers and create opportunities, whether that be for young people in the region via South Durham University Technical College, my work as trustee at the North East STEM Foundation, or my current role where we have almost 500 dedicated volunteers who not only support what we do but they also enhance it. And mistakes? Essential. You learn as much if not more from what not to do than what to do.
What makes the North East a good place to do business? We’re a friendly bunch up here. It’s a place where collaboration comes naturally, and people genuinely want to help each other succeed - an underrated but powerful advantage. And let’s be honest, our work ethic is second to none. If we could bottle Northern graft, we’d be millionaires.
How important do you think it is for business to play a role in society? Crucial. We’re not integrated with society enough. Too many sectors operate in silos. For example, education is not integrated into industry, and people wonder why we have a skills gap. Even though The Auckland Project is a charity, we operate with a business mindset. Our goal is regeneration, sustainability, and making Bishop Auckland a place where people want to live, work, and invest. That’s how you secure the town’s future for generations. Let’s not forget the numbers. Heritage contributes £45bn to the Ƶ economy and supports over 500,000 jobs. Beyond figures, it creates thriving communities, attracts investment and makes the Ƶ and more exciting place to live, work and visit.
Outside of work what are you really good at? Being a dad, although you’d have to ask my kids for a performance review. My wife may also have some feedback. I like to think my positivity is infectious. I take things in my stride, rarely get flustered, and believe there’s always a way forward. Whether or not that makes me ‘good’ at things is debatable, but it keeps life interesting.
Who would play you in a role about your life? Colin Firth. A romantic at heart, though my wife might beg to differ.
Which three people would you invite to a dinner party and why? Winston Churchill, Hannah Waddingham and Chris Martin. Winston Churchill is the greatest Briton. He led us through turmoil, never wavered, and was an incredible orator. If you’re going through hell, keep going! Hannah Waddingham is brilliant, funny, and slightly terrifying. And Chris Martin is a creative and artistic mind, a musician, and, let’s be honest, I like his music.
