A SPECIAL event will be held in Hartlepool next month (Wednesday 5 September) to offer advice and support to businesses and anyone thinking of setting up a business.
Organised jointly by the Hartlepool branch of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) and Hartlepool Council, the business showcase event is being sponsored by UK Steel Enterprise.
Called 'In Business in Hartlepool', it takes place at Hartlepool's Maritime Experience from 12noon to 5pm. The venue's Baltic Suite and HMS Trincomalee will both host activities and sessions.
Visitors can drop in to the free event where they will be able to get sound advice and help from a wide range of organisations with business expertise in areas ranging from procurement and finance to training and how to set up a business.
Hartlepool Mayor Stuart Drummond said: "In the current economic climate it's increasingly important to provide as much help as possible to existing businesses and anyone who is considering setting up a business.
"There's an amazing amount of help and support available to help people make the right choices whether you are in business or interested in starting up and it's a great chance to meet some of the key people who can help."
Pamela Hargreaves, chairwoman of the Hartlepool FSB, said: "In a financial climate like this it is important that businesses get all of the support they need to survive and that any services they do engage with give them value for money.
"We'll also be organising some speed networking sessions during the afternoon which will provide an excellent opportunity for those attending to meet one another and develop new contacts.
"There's nothing to lose and everything to gain by attending this free event and I really do hope that people pop along to find out about the variety of help that is available in Hartlepool."
