On Wednesday 3^rd March, the Chancellor of the Exchequer presented his Budget to Parliament which set out a £65 billion three-point plan. This included billions to support businesses and families through the pandemic, an investment-led recovery as the UK emerges from lockdown and future changes to strengthen public finances.  For full details of the announcement and to read what this means for your business please click here.  Hartlepool will specifically benefit from additional measures as announced:

• Teesside Freeport status – A successful bid was announced, which will set Teesside as the UK’s largest Freeport. This status enables a wide package of tax reliefs and simplified custom procedures to boost regeneration and innovation in Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool. To read more please click here.
• Hartlepool Borough Hall cultural fund allocation – £1.8 million of Government funding has been allocated to transform Hartlepool’s historic Borough Hall into a venue for cultural and creative activities, events and performances. To read more please click here.