05.05.20
Mayor Houchen calls on businesses to shape recovery plan
Mayor Ben Houchen is calling on business owners across Tees Valley to help with the coronavirus recovery plan.
The coronavirus outbreak and subsequent lockdown restrictions have put a huge strain on businesses across the country and the Mayor is leading efforts to shape the future of his region’s recovery plan.
In partnership with Teesside University and a number of other organisations, a package of targeted measures is being developed to help businesses who have been impacted by the pandemic to recover as quickly as possible, and improve resilience for future shocks.
A short survey has been launched to learn the details of the effects the virus has caused and may continue to cause and identify the short, medium and long-term support business might need.
The Mayor recently joined the other metro mayors in a discussion with the Prime Minister, Robert Jenrick MP and Simon Clarke MP about the role of the M9 in local economic recovery.
The data gathered from the survey, which will run until May 22, will enable correct measures and support to be put in place for all businesses and provide influence for Government policies that reflect the needs of Tees Valley businesses.
Mayor Houchen said: “It is vital that we do all we can to keep local businesses afloat. They are not only the backbone of our economy, but they are also people’s livelihoods, and they are currently facing greater pressures than ever before.
“That’s why I recently launched the Buy Local Tees Valley website, which aims to connect local people with businesses and tradesmen that are still open, or operating differently, during the virus outbreak.
“It’s also why I am determined to make sure our amazing business owners get the support they need over the coming weeks, months and even years. We need to get as much information as possible, then we can make sure the right support is available.
“Every business will be different, each one with its own story to tell and unique concerns, so I’d ask as many business bosses as possible, from across Teesside, Hartlepool and Darlington to fill out our short online questionnaire so we can get our brilliant businesses back on their feet and so our voice can be heard in Government.”
Image: Mayor Ben Houchen addressing Tees Valley businesses at the 2019 Tees Valley Business Summit