NEWS
Focus on business - Darlington Borough Council chief executive Ian Williams , Tees Valley mayor Ben Houchen and Cllr Alan Marshall , cabinet member for economy and regeneration .
Darlington Business Week returns
Darlington Business Week is set to return for a fifth year with a host of activities aimed at supporting local businesses through a series of free online and in-person events .
The week has been organised by Darlington Council ’ s business support team , who are on hand throughout the year to offer advice and assistance to local businesses and those who are considering starting-up or moving to the area .
This year ’ s highlights include an international motivational speaker , updates on local developments and bespoke workshops to support post-covid business growth .
Starting on Monday October 4 , the week starts with a series of interactive workshops to help businesses with aspects of recovery , including support for going digital , developing new markets and exploring the opportunity for improving workforce skills .
Business start-up specialists TEDCO will be hosting a full programme of online workshops to support those who wish to follow their dream and set up their own business . They are a professional organisation dedicated to supporting people as they set up their own business from concept to conception .
Existing businesses can take advantage of the business funding , finance and support update on Tuesday October 5 , featuring numerous support , grant funding and financial organisations to answer questions and provide impartial advice . Other sessions include how to win public sector contracts hosted by North
East Procurement Organisation ( NEPO ), employment law and employee rights post-Covid hosted by BHP Law , and various networking opportunities with Darlington Business Club , Federation of Small Businesses and now the North East England Chamber of Commerce ( NEECC ).
Teesside University returns on Wednesday October 6 with its business exchange , featuring guest speaker Paul McGee , one of the world ’ s leading motivational speakers on change , workplace relationships , leadership , and customer service . Paul ’ s work has been endorsed by Sir Clive Woodward of the British Olympic Association , and he has appeared on BBC Breakfast television , as well as regular contributions to Radio 5 Live .
The week ’ s programme culminates with presentations by the council ’ s chief executive Ian Williams and Tees Valley mayor Ben Houchen on how new developments in Darlington and the Tees Valley are set to have a positive impact on the area and the wide-ranging benefits and opportunities they may bring .
Councillor Alan Marshall , Darlington Council ’ s cabinet member for economy and regeneration , said : “ The unprecedented time we have all experienced with Covid-19 has led to huge challenges for the local economy . Simply to survive , every business , employer and employee has had to show agility and flexibility to adapt to the ever-evolving environment and changing priorities .
“ As we move into a period of recovery , issues and challenges still remain , but I believe that by working together , we
can be successful . That ’ s why Darlington Business Week 2021 is so important to the town .
“ The week will bring a range of events and workshops aimed at local businesses who are at different stages in their business journey , including those who are yet to start theirs . There ’ s a full and varied programme of activities that will appeal to a wide range of businesses .
This year ’ s Business Week takes into account the uncertainty felt by some , but the desire to return to a sense of normality , and the events are a mix of both online and physical events .
Mayor Houchen added : “ As we ’ ve come through the coronavirus pandemic , we ’ ve seen our region ’ s brilliant businesses continually adapt and innovate and think outside of the box to succeed .
“ I ’ m delighted to be a part of Darlington Business Week 2021 , which will bring together a host of organisations to give our companies expert insight and knowledge , plus the chance to network , so they can grab new opportunities with both hands and ultimately grow , succeed and create good-quality , well-paid jobs for local people .”
For a full list of all of the free events and to book a place , visit investindarlington . co . uk / events or email business . support @ darlington . gov . uk The voice of business in the Tees region | 97