Digital Platform Launched To Highlight Local Firms During Coronavirus Outbreak

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen has today unveiled a new digital platform to help support local companies during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Buy Local Tees Valley is designed to connect local people with businesses and local tradespeople across the region that are still open or operating in the face of the outbreak.

The platform, established and operated by the Mayor and Combined Authority, aims to give these businesses a boost by highlighting their availability to the general public, and help local people know where to go for goods and services at this unprecedented time.

It is the latest initiative to assist businesses and the self-employed in the region, following the creation of the 24/7 Tees Valley Business Support Hotline for companies seeking advice or information as the coronavirus situation continues.

Mayor Houchen said: “Small and medium-sized firms are the lifeblood of our economy and lots of business owners and self-employed people are continuing to soldier on despite uncertainty at this difficult time.

“The new online platform that I’m launching will make it quick and easy for local people to find out which of our amazing businesses across Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool are still open. Some may be operating differently, but it’s about making local people aware of what’s available so we can protect jobs and livelihoods across the region.

“It’s easy for businesses to sign up and get listed, and I’d urge as many companies as possible to get registered and make the most of the platform.”

To sign your business up with the site, or to find out more about local companies still open, visit buylocal.teesvalley-ca.gov.uk

To contact the Tees Valley Business Support Helpline, call 01642 662 777.