Hartlepool Business Forum welcomes Harrison Smith and Lisa Hogg on board

Financial adviser Harrison Smith and Lisa Hogg, who is director of a strategic brand marketing agency, have joined the five other members aiming to make a difference across the town.

Harrison has arranged for a social networking event to take place at The Owl, in Scarborough Street, on June 13 from 5pm.

This aims to get like-minded people together without an agenda and to socialise with other Hartlepool businesses and professionals.

Harrison, 27, is based at Greenbank business centre and an associate of Emerald Associates, said: "I'm incredibly proud of the group's diversity. It represents a wide range of ages, industries, and backgrounds.

"By collaborating and utilising the expanded resources offered by the Business Forum, businesses have incredible potential for growth.

"Networking events can be intimidating, especially for small business owners who may feel they don't belong in such settings.

"I put forward the idea of this up-coming event at The Owl to demonstrate that businesses of all sizes are valuable members of this community.

"I'm excited about it and encourage others to get their tickets quickly."

Hartlepool-born Harrison and Lisa were welcomed by chair Simon Corbett, who is also chief executive of Orangebox Training Solutions, at Hartlepool Marina recently and they join Gary Riches, Daniel Flounders, Christine Hall, Haani Hasnain and Amey-Rose McGrogan on the steering group.

Lisa, 33, instrumental in Vove’s move to Hartlepool earlier this year to mark its 10th anniversary, is keen for the forum to make a positive impact.

She said: "I have been captivated by the vibrant business activities and the community's potential since we moved to Hartlepool.

“It was clear from the outset that I wanted to contribute significantly to the region's growth.

“Attending my first forum event, I immediately recognised how my expertise in marketing could amplify the remarkable initiatives spearheaded by the forum.

“The Hartlepool Business Forum is at the core of the local business ecosystem, focusing on raising awareness about funding opportunities, facilitating knowledge transfers and fostering strong relationships among business leaders.”Go to www.hartlepoolbusinessforum.co.uk for more information about the forum and this year’s Hartlepool Business Awards.