Hartlepool Creative Business Week to launch

It will take place from 16th-19th October, with a range of events taking place at The BIS, Hartlepool Borough Council’s award-winning centre for companies operating in the creative sector.

Councillor Andrew Martin-Wells, Chair of the Council’s Economic Growth and Regeneration Committee, said: “Hartlepool’s already thriving creative sector is a hugely important element of the local economy and we want to encourage and promote its further development.”

The BIS in Whitby Street is at the heart of an area in which the Council is proposing to develop a Production Village to complement and build on the high-quality facilities available at the Northern Film and TV Studios on the site of the Northern School of Art. A bid by the Council for £16.5 million from the Government’s Levelling Up Fund has been approved.

Councillor Martin-Wells added: “Working with a range of partners - who I would like to thank for their support - we have put together a programme of workshops, discussion sessions and informal networking opportunities aimed at existing businesses and individuals looking to develop an idea.

“I would encourage people to get involved and ensure they make the most of the advice and support on offer during Hartlepool Creative Business Week.

“We anticipate there being some great business opportunities as our plans for the Production Village develop and we want local companies and individuals to be in a position to take advantage of them.”

Topics covered during the week will include applying for Arts Council England funding, turning a creative side hustle or hobby into a business, tips for launching a creative start-up and the effective use of social media.

Full details of all of the events can be found at www.investinhartlepool.co.uk