Newcastle SMEs set for economic recovery boost with support ‘lifeline’

Businesses across Newcastle affected by COVID-19 are set to receive new support from a new ‘lifeline’ from the city’s council.

Newcastle City Council has unveiled its new Citylife Business Support initiative to support the area’s SMEs, funded through the £1.5m fund granted by the North of Tyne Combined Authority.

Working with the Business & IP Centre Newcastle (BIPC) and NewcastleGateshead Initiative (NGI), Citylife Business Support aims to provide support to SMEs on a range of issues.

Businesses across the city will be able to access help with their digital and online capabilities, business finance and cash flow, access to new contracts and market opportunities, employment law, continuity planning and re-focussing business operations

Cllr Ged Bell, cabinet member for employment and culture at Newcastle City Council, commented: “Businesses across the city are really struggling and this support will help guide them at their time of need.

“By working with local delivery partners and the SMEs themselves, we are confident this service will address gaps in support, helping businesses refocus and look towards a brighter future.

“This new service will help our city to recover, protect local jobs and the economy. I would like to thank all of our partners who have helped provide a lifeline to our city’s SMEs.”

Jennifer Hartley, director of Invest Newcastle at Newcastle Gateshead Initiative, added: “This new service for SMEs is thanks to much needed funds from the North of Tyne Combined Authority and the collaborative nature of our business community.

“Based on intelligence our teams have been gathering over the past few months, we know this service will make such a difference. As delivery partners we are proud to join forces with businesses and experts to support our SMEs at this critical time.

“By working together and being committed to the recovery of our city’s economy we can build a better future for both businesses and our people.”

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