A DALE web designer passionate about Teesdale is hoping to put the area and businesses on the map with two websites dedicated to the area.
Lisa Johnstone, who made Gainford her home 22 years ago, has launched the sites – Made in Teesdale and Visit Teesdale – after spending two years developing the idea.
She said: “I am passionate about Teesdale and that’s what got me started. I’ve always loved Teesdale even before I came to live here and that feeling has only grown since. For a long time, I feel Teesdale has been under represented as a brand and although Visit Durham do a great job promoting the area, I don’t think terming Teesdale and Weardale as the Durham Dales is the right thing. They each have their unique identity and we need to shout about what makes them unique.”
Ms Johnstone, who set up her own media company, LJ Digital Media, four years ago, developed the sites in her spare time.
She added: “I had intended to launch the websites in spring but because of lockdown that didn’t happen.
“I feel the time is right and we’re not going to go abroad this year so the opportunity for UK destinations to benefit is there.”
She added with Made In Teesdale, which has sections for artisans, local food producers and social enterprises, is an ideal tool for small business owners to promote their services and products to a wider audience.
“There are many small companies who exhibited at shows and festivals and with those still off at the moment Made in Teesdale is a great way to get the word out and have an online shop,” she added. Her other website, Visit Teesdale, she hopes to provide visitors with an in-depth look at the area.
For more information on Made in Teesdale and Visit Teesdale contact Ms Johnstone at LJ Digital Media on [email protected] or by telephone on 07966 516270.
