Hartlepool Business Week will take place for the third time from 14^th-18^th October and local businesses are being encouraged to make the most of the opportunities it offers.

Organised by Hartlepool Borough Council’s Economic Growth Team with a range of partners, it aims to promote the advice and support on offer to existing businesses and the help available to people wishing to become self-employed.

A number of sessions will be held across the week, mainly at The BIS in Whitby Street – the Council’s award-winning centre for creative start-ups.

Topics to be covered include what you need to know to become self-employed, doing business with Hartlepool Borough Council, bid writing, how to access financial support to grow your business, how to maximise the global potential of your business and trade successfully overseas and recruiting and developing a successful workforce.

The Hartlepool Business Forum will also be hosting a relaxed and informal networking session in The Grand Hotel from 5pm on Thursday 17^th October

Councillor Pamela Hargreaves, Chair of the Council’s Economic Growth and Regeneration Committee, said: “We are committed to supporting local businesses and creating an environment in which they are able to grow and thrive.

“We have put together a comprehensive programme of events for Hartlepool Business Week, and we would encourage as many businesses as possible to take advantage of the advice and support that will be on offer.

“Often businesses aren’t aware of the support that is out there, so we hope they will get involved to find out more.”

Full details of the Hartlepool Business Week events can be found at https://www.investinhartlepool.co.uk/hartlepool-business-week/

Anyone wishing to enquire about a particular event should email business.support@hartlepool.gov.uk