A number of Business Forums and Networking Groups actively operate in Hartlepool offering many benefits for their members. The groups provide an opportunity to influence local, regional and national key decision-makers on any aspect of business, be it legislation or policy development.

• Hartlepool Economic Regeneration & Tourism Forum

  The aim of the Hartlepool Economic Regeneration and Tourism Forum is to "develop a more enterprising, vigorous, and diverse local economy that will attract investment, be globally competitive and create more employment opportunities for local people."

  The Forum is open to all active businesses and business groups within the Borough.

• Hartlepool Business Forum

  Hartlepool Business Forum has been in existence for a number of years and provides a programme of events and seminars aimed at addressing key issues faced by the business community culminating in the annual Hartlepool Business Awards ceremony in May.

• The Longhill & Sandgate Business Association (LSBA)

  The Longhill & Sandgate Business Association (LSBA) is open to all businesses located in the Longhill and Sandgate Industrial Estates area.

  The key objectives of the Business Association are:

  • to oversee the regeneration of the Longhill/Sandgate Industrial Estate area
  • to create a clear identity and improve the perception of the Longhill/Sandgate Industrial Estates area
  • to support the development and implementation of business development initiatives
  • to promote and communicate the activities of the LSBA
  • to support the development of funding applications to achieve the aim and objectives of the LSBA
  • to engage businesses into the LSBA and
  • to improve security and reduce crime

An elected Executive Group meets regularly to drive the Association forward, agree agenda items and discuss ongoing projects.

Further information about the LSBA can be found on their webpages.

• North East Chamber of Commerce

  The North East Chamber of Commerce exists to serve its members' interests across the North East and is one of the largest Chambers of Commerce in the UK. NECC offers a comprehensive range of business services, products and expert training, all aimed at helping you realise your business' potential.

  As well as having the potential to influence Government, the role of the Chamber is to inform, increase a company's prospects through increased knowledge and skill enhancing and improve the efficiency of businesses throughout the North East.

  For further information, contact NECC

• Federation of Small Businesses

  The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) is a non-profit making, campaigning pressure group with the aim of promoting and protecting the interests of its members.

  With nearly 200,000 members, it is the largest pressure group in the UK. The organisation campaigns on behalf of the self-employed and small business owners covering issues ranging from bank charges and interest to corporation tax and pension requirements. The group has the ability to influence government at a national and regional level by various means. It also offers its members support and assistance 24 hours a day.
  
  For further information, contact the FSB

• Women In Enterprise

Women What Do is a business network, based in Hartlepool, which provides an informal place for women involved in business to meet each other, discuss common issues, share ideas and build up a local network of support and contacts.

The group also organise events and activities that focus on providing information from a range of sources and organisations that will help you keep track on the latest approaches, gadgets, legislation and available business support.

For further information contact Women In Enterprise
 

• ISQ Business Association
  
  The ISQ Business Association is a newly formed group made up of businesses and key stakeholders in the ISQ area who are committed to promoting the area. The aim of the Association is to “work collaboratively to improve and promote the economic wellbeing of the area and provide a safe, clean and connected business environment."
  
  There are three key objectives that will be addressed; Marketing, Security, and Environmental Conditions.
  
  Technical and secretarial support will be provided by the Economic Regeneration team at Hartlepool Borough Council.