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Business leaders back Tall Ships' Races
MAJOR business organisations today urged Hartlepool businesses to get behind the town leg of The Tall Ships' Races.
Three town business groups today pledged full support for the four-day event which will attract an estimated one million visitors and an estimated 16m in spending power to the town.
Between August 7 and 10 next year, more than 100 tall ships will arrive in Hartlepool for the biggest festival the town has ever seen.
The town branches of the North East Chamber of Commerce, Federation of Small Businesses and Hartlepool Business Forum all pledged their support today.
John Megson, the co-ordinator of the Hartlepool Business Forum, said: "The Tall Ships' Races is such a unique opportunity to put Hartlepool on the global map, never mind national and regional.
"It is imperative that businesses large and small come on board by way of sponsorship. The project isn't just for the few days whilst it is with us, with potentially in excess of one million visitors contributing many millions to the local economy, but equally important is the legacy left for years to come.
"Tourism is an increasingly important part of Hartlepool's economy both financially and also by increasing the numbers of people employed in the tourism and leisure sector.
"There are many successful businesses in the town as witnessed at the annual Business Awards. It is now important that businesses see and take advantage of the opportunities in contributing and benefiting from the different packages available."
Peter Olsen, the chairman of the Hartlepool committee of the North East Chamber of Commerce, said the chamber was "happy to recommend the Tall Ships' Races sponsorship packages that are available to all businesses to our members.
"The packages will suit a range of business from small to large and we will be contacting members to encourage them to benefit from this marvellous event in Hartlepool and the Tees Valley.
"The packages lend themselves to provide both corporate entertaining and also opportunites for team building rewards, such as the days sailing, included in some of the packages.
"There are also volunteering roles available to employees which our members may find of interest."
Colin Griffiths, the chairman of the Hartlepool branch of the Federation of Small Businesses, described the races as "an incredibly exciting time" for Hartlepool.
He said the FSB "cannot wait to get involved.
"The event is unique in that, it can not only attract the involvement of the large business organisations but it also encourages the smaller businesses to sign up and support the event.
"The gain for these small businesses will be huge with in excess of one million visitors attending the event and the FSB."
FSB officials are encouraging all of their members to get involved in the races. The branch has more than 4,000 members in North East England alone.
Martyn Pellew, the group development director for PD Ports, which is a partner for the Hartlepool leg of the races along with the council and Hartlepool Marina, said: "Sponsorship of the Tall Ships event in 2010 is a great way to take a business forward in both its external communications raising its profile and creating greater regional and national awareness.
"The event will be very widely publicised across the whole of the North-East and throughout the UK. Businesses and individuals will have massive exposure to the planning and workflow of the Tall Ships event in the run up to August 2010.
"Colleagues in organisations involved in sponsorship will be motivated to 'be part of it' and help the region and Hartlepool achieve a really exceptional event. The Tall Ships will give people a focal point around which to personally contribute and clearly see the benefits of their input."
Organisations signed up so far include Mobeus, Huntsman Pigments, Hartlepool Partnership, Real Radio and Advanced Motor Components.
Michelle Daurat, The Tall Ships Project Manager with Hartlepool Borough Council, said: "We believe that the event offers a variety of high value sponsorship opportunities and we want to team up with businesses of all sizes to be part of it.
"Sponsorship packages range from 1,000 to 50,000 but we are keen to listen to any 'in-kind' contributions.
"We can also tailor packages to meet individual company needs. If anyone is interested all they have to do is get in touch and we can talk through the various options."
Any organisation interested in getting involved in the event should contact Michelle on (01429) 284390 or e-mail michelle.daurat@hartlepool.gov.uk. Alternatively, for more information, visit www.hartlepooltallships2010.com.
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Weather for Hartlepool
Sunday 12 February 2012
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