IT'S going to be phenomenal and we need to be ready for it now.
That's the message given to delegates who turned out in force for a conference to learn more about the Tall Ships' Races.
The event called Set Sail for Hartlepool was so much more than just a conference.
Street dancing, magicians and entertainment greeted the visitors to the Hartlepool Maritime Experience.
The Tall Ships' Races are more than two years away from arriving in town. They sail into port on August 7, 2010.
Around 100 ships are likely to come to Hartlepool.
Businesses galore have the chance to be ready for the huge range of opportunities so many visitors will bring, the conference was told.
But this a marathon not a sprint, says Mike Lakinski, the business development manager for Business Link which offers advice and support to small and medium sized businesses.
And clued-up businesses will be making their preparations now to ensure they are ready for the big weekend.
Mike had a message for businesses wanting to be involved in the races.
"Ensure now that you are thinking about what you need to do. The preparation starts now," he said.
"This is a marathon, not a sprint."
He described the race as an opportunity for companies to work with Business Link and to improve the skills of their workforce.
He said a new batch of funding running into millions of pounds was likely to be made available for the "up skilling of workforces".
He said Business Link had experts available to offer help on everything from IT issues to health and safety.
Anyone wanting more information can contact Business Link North East on 0845 600 9006 or visit
www.businesslinknortheast.co.ukSo much to offerDon't miss out on bonanzaFacts and figuresThe story so farThe full article contains 310 words and appears in n/a newspaper.
