Shop Hartlepool initiative aims to support local businesses

Shop Hartlepool is a partnership between Hartlepool Borough Council and Love Hartlepool, a community-led campaign to proactively promote the town.

It is being funded using money awarded to the Council from the Government’s Re-opening the High Street Safely Fund.

Businesses that sign up to the free online service will be promoted on the Shop Hartlepool website which it is hoped will become a hub used by customers to search for information on their favourite stores.

The initiative will also provide a platform for the promotion of local businesses, both online and on social media.

Denise McGuckin, the Council’s Managing Director, said: “The pandemic has created a desperately difficult situation for so many local businesses, so it is hoped that Shop Hartlepool will provide them with some much-needed support.

“I am delighted that the Council has teamed up with Love Hartlepool to launch the initiative, and as we continue to emerge from lockdown I would urge as many businesses as possible to register.”

Maxine Craig, Voluntary Chair of Love Hartlepool, added: “We are looking to sign up a whole range of different businesses based in Hartlepool, from cafes to clothes shops and hairdresser to furniture stores.

“Basically, if you are a business based in Hartlepool we’d love you to sign up and get involved.

“We aim to encourage everyone in the Borough of Hartlepool to shop local and ensure that everyone feels safe when shopping, so COVID safety will be a key feature alongside promoting all the great businesses Hartlepool has to offer.”

Businesses can register at www.shophartlepool.com