Calling all businesses!
Businesses are being urged to raise their profile by getting involved in The Tall Ships Races when the event comes to Hartlepool in 2010.
The North East Chamber of Commerce, Federation of Small Businesses and Hartlepool Business Forum are all backing the event which could attract up to one million visitors.
Hartlepool will be the centre stage between 7-10 August 2010 when up to 100 Tall Ships from around the world will sail into the Marina and the surrounding port for the dazzling finale of the world-famous event.
Peter Olsen, who chairs the Hartlepool Committee of the North East Chamber of Commerce said: "The range of packages will suit businesses of all sizes and lend themselves to provide both corporate entertaining and also opportunities for team building rewards, such as a day's sailing."
Colin Griffiths, Hartlepool Branch Chairman of the Federation of Small Businesses, added: "The Tall Ships Races 2010 is an incredibly exciting time for the town of Hartlepool and the Federation of Small Businesses cannot wait to get involved. The opportunities to businesses are tremendous and the potential is limitless for Hartlepool.
"We envisage that the Tall Ships event will serve to make the rest of the UK stand up and take note, not only of Hartlepool but the entire North East region."
Organisers say that there are lots of different ways in which businesses can get involved as Tall Ships Project Manager Michelle Daurat explains.
"We believe that the event offers a variety of high value sponsorship opportunities and we want to team up with businesses of all sizes to be part of it. Sponsorship packages range from £1,000 to £50,000 but we are keen to consider any ‘in-kind' contributions.
"We can also tailor packages to meet individual company needs. If anyone is interested all they have to do is get in touch and we can talk through the various options."
Martyn Pellew, Group Development Director with PD Ports and President of the North East Chamber of Commerce, said: "Sponsorship of the Tall Ships event in 2010 is a great way to take a business forward in both its external communications raising its profile and creating greater regional and national awareness. Colleagues in organisations involved in sponsorship will be motivated to ‘be part of it' and help the region and Hartlepool achieve a really exceptional event."
Organisations signed up so far include Mobeus, Huntsman Pigments, Hartlepool Partnership, Real Radio and Advanced Motor Components.
John Megson, Coordinator of Hartlepool Business Forum, commented: "The Tall Ships Races is such a unique opportunity to put Hartlepool on the global map never mind national and regional.
"There are many successful businesses in the town as witnessed at the annual Business Awards – it is now important that businesses see and take advantage of the opportunities in contributing and benefiting from the different packages available."
Any organisation interested in getting involved in the event should contact Michelle Daurat on 01429 284390 or e-mail michelle.daurat@hartlepool.gov.uk.
