Navigation Point Steering Group
A small community of businesses in Hartlepool has established its own steering group to develop relations and give it a voice in local matters.
Navigation Point, situated on Hartlepool Marina, comprises a range of businesses particularly in the food and restaurant sector but also featuring a number of other popular shops. Whilst business owners located there have always worked together on issues that affect them, they have now made this official by forming their very own steering group.
A formal election was held on 30th March to select members of the steering group, with every business on Navigation Point given the opportunity to vote. Seven members were elected in total, news of which has been circulated amongst businesses and plans are now being made to arrange the first official meeting.
Hartlepool Council has played a crucial role in helping set up the steering group, particularly from Principal Economic Development Officer, Mick Emerson, and Business Support Officer, Avril O’Donnell. They have provided assistance with paperwork and organising the election, as well as building relations with the businesses and offering general support.
Avril says: “The occupants of Navigation Point have worked together for some time now but they came to the Council to make this more official and to gain our help in setting things up. The new steering group aims to give the businesses here a voice and a focus, in order to address issues important to them and discuss ideas for future improvement.”
The newly elected members of the steering group are: David Culling of Thai Harbour restaurant, Neil Bianco of Bianco’s Deli, Krimo Bouabda of Casa del Mar restaurant, Mark Evans of North Star bistro and Black Olive bar, Greg Derby of Curious House jewellers, Dave Wise from the West View Project and Philip Grylls of The Waterfront fish & chip shop.
Avril concludes: “I think the steering group is a fantastic idea, and the businesses have shown real spirit and enthusiasm to bring this about. I am sure things will really start to take shape once the group has held its first meeting, when they will begin to take ownership of the new association and start to make themselves heard.
“It would be great to see similar alliances struck up within other clusters of businesses across town, as it really brings them together, unifies their objectives and ensures they’re all singing from the same hymn sheet.”
