Hartlepool council bosses pledge to help businesses fight back from impact of virus

Local businesses raised areas where they need support from Hartlepool Borough Council at the latest Hartlepool Economic Forum.

The council says it will provide support including advising around social distancing, increasing their online presence and direct investment to where it is needed.

Chief Executive Gill Alexander said: “We are currently developing a plan for the Borough that will make sure we are working together to help Hartlepool recover from the impact of Covid-19 and shape a better future.

“Last week’s Economic Forum meeting was extremely productive and epitomised the spirit of partnership which is so characteristic of the town of Hartlepool.

"We continue to work closely with all the town’s businesses, to help them as they fight back from the impact of Covid-19.

"This ranges from continuing to advise them on social distancing and related measures which will help keep both staff and shoppers safe, to exploring ways of helping independent traders adapt to the massive shift to online and cashless transactions.

"It will also include making sure we can maximise investment into our economic recovery as we go forward based on what businesses tell us they need.”

The council is also in talks with the police, fire and health, voluntary and community sector, schools, faith and other groups as part of its recovery plans.

Middleton Grange manager Mark Rycraft, who also sits on the Love Hartlepool group, said: “The important thing is a dialogue has started, connections been made and people are talking to each other.

"That in itself is positive and will serve to make a real impact on the town as a whole moving forward.”

This week, a number of local businesses joined in a web seminar encouraging them to be part of the free mobile phone app ROAM.

Its aim is to help the physical high street have more of a digital presence allowing businesses to reach more potential customers and increase their footfall.

Janice Auton, of Totally Locally Hartlepool, said: “At this moment in time we’ve got to be part of anything and everything.”

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