Business Forums and Networking Groups

The Hartlepool Economic Forum is the Jobs and Economy theme partnership for the Hartlepool Partnership.

The Hartlepool Economic Forum was established in the late 1990's with the purposes of establishing a vision for the future of Hartlepool and seeking to influence its implementation.

Membership of the Forum is open to any organisation with an interest in the economic prosperity of the town. The work of the Forum is undertaken by a Steering Group that is made up of 10 private sector members, 5 voluntary sector members and 5 members from the public sector.

The purpose of the Economic Forum is to lead on the development and delivery of measures to achieve the Hartlepool Partnership's Community Strategy aim to:

"develop a more enterprising, vigorous, and diverse local economy that will attract investment, be globally competitive and create more employment opportunities for local people."

The objectives of the Economic Forum are:

• work in partnership to maximise the economic prosperity of Hartlepool
• develop and implement an action plan and protocol with specific actions and targets that reflects the requirements of both business and local residents and which reflect the key objectives of the Community Strategy
• to review and monitor targets outlined in the Forum Action Plan
• to approve and endorse activities that will contribute to the key targets adopted by the Economic Forum and where appropriate identify new sources of funding
• to be inclusive, reflecting the diverse needs of the people of Hartlepool and thereby reducing inequalities
• to consult effectively with business, community representatives, residents and other stakeholders
• to work with other partnerships, networks and forums for the benefit of Hartlepool
• work in an open and transparent way ensuring that the work of the Economic Forum is communicated effectively and available to the public
• ensuring that membership reflects the diversity of the community it aims to serve

If you would like further information about the Economic Forum or would like to join please contact:
Antony Steinberg,
Economic Development Manager
Hartlepool Borough Council on
(01429) 523503.

Hartlepool Business Forum has been in existence for over 10 years, being formerly known as the Hartlepool Business Leaders Forum, initiated by the Hartlepool Enterprise Agency.

The forum provides a yearly programme of events and seminars aimed at addressing key issues faced by the business community.

The topics covered in the past include financial matters, property matters, legislation issues, workforce development and profitability, as well as a start-up roadshow and safari events. All events provide valuable information and networking opportunities for both start-up businesses and established businesses.

The events programme is run annually with a series of events taking place from September of one year to May of the next.

For more information about current events please visit the Hartlepool Business Forum Website.

To suggest topics for future events, please contact:

John Megson
Hartlepool Business Forum
^c/o Hartlepool Borough Council
Hartlepool Enterprise Centre
Brougham Terrace
Hartlepool
TS24 8EY
Tel: (01429) 867677

The Longhill & Sandgate Business Association (LSBA) is open to all businesses that have an interest in the two estates and its regeneration as well as those businesses located in the Longhill and Sandgate Industrial Estates.

The key objectives of the Business Association are:

• to oversee the implementation and to review the progress of an Action Plan for the Longhill/Sandgate Industrial Estate
• to create a clear identity and improve the perception of the Longhill/Sandgate Industrial Estate
• to support the development and implementation of business development initiatives
• to promote and communicate the activities of the LSBA
• to support the development of funding applications to achieve the aim and objectives of the LSBA
• to engage businesses into the LSBA and
• to improve security and reduce crime

A Working Party meets regularly to drive the Association forward, agree agenda items and discuss ongoing projects.

If you would like further information about the LSBA or would like to join, please contact:

Hartlepool Enterprise Team
Hartlepool Enterprise Centre
Brougham Terrace
Hartlepool
TS24 8EY

E-mail  : info@investinhartlepool.com
Tel      : (01429) 867677
Website :LSBA

Enterprising Hartlepool is a project developed by a steering group of new entrepreneurs assisted by Hartlepool Borough Council and Business Link.

The group encourage inter-trade among their members, offering mutual support and improving communication between small businesses in the town. The group's aim is to generate a real buzz in the wider, regional business community about the individuals and small businesses thriving within the borough. The group is made up of new start-ups, people with new business ideas right through to companies who have now been established for two or three years.

If you fit the above category, are more likely to wear suits only for meetings, work all hours to establish and make yours a bigger and better business, then we would like you to be part of our growing informal web of entrepreneurs in Enterprising Hartlepool. We value and welcome input from all other entrepreneurs and SME's in Hartlepool.

For further information, please contact:

For further information about starting your own business, please contact:

Hartlepool Enterprise Team
Hartlepool Enterprise Centre
Brougham Terrace
Hartlepool
TS24 8EY

E-mail  : info@investinhartlepool.com
Tel      : (01429) 867677

The North East Chamber of Commerce exists to serve its members' interests across the North East. It has 5,000 members and is one of the largest Chambers of Commerce in the UK. NECC offers a comprehensive range of business services, products and expert training, all aimed at helping you realise your business' potential.

As well as having the potential to influence Government, the role of the Chamber is to inform, increase a company's prospects through increased knowledge and skill enhancing and improve the efficiency of businesses throughout the North East.

For further information on the Chamber or to apply to become a member, please contact:

North East Chamber of Commerce
Head Office
Aykley Heads Business Centre
Aykley Heads
Durham
DH1 5TS
Tel: (0191) 386 1133
e-mail: information@ne-cc.com
Website: www.ne-cc.com

The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) is a non-profit making, campaigning pressure group with the aim of promoting and protecting the interests of its members. With nearly 200,000 members, it is the largest pressure group in the UK. As its title suggests, the organisation campaigns on behalf of the self-employed and small business owners covering issues ranging from bank charges and interest to corporation tax and pension requirements. The group has the ability to influence government at a national and regional level by various means. It also offers its members support and assistance 24 hours a day.

You can apply to become a member online by completing the membership enquiry form or by telephoning (0870) 050 5372.

Federation of Small Businesses (FSB)