New support venture launches for local businesses in Northumberland town

Northumberland County Council will implement a range of activities designed to improve Ashington town Centre, making it more “accessible and attractive” to residents and visitors.

The programme is being funded by North of Tyne Combined Authority, through the Towns and High Streets Investment Programme. Drawing on the emerging Ashington Town Investment Plan, the Ashington High Street Innovation Programme (HSIP) was developed incorporating a range of measures which will run until March 2024.

As a key component of this, Advance Northumberland will deliver Accelerate Ashington, a brand-new package of business support comprising two strands. A digital element to support existing businesses to grow, and a startup package to support individuals looking to establish new businesses, organisations or social enterprises in Ashington.

Working alongside industry experts, the digital element will support local businesses currently trading and operating within Ashington. This support will provide funded access to the introduction of digital tools for day-to-day business activity including Digital Audits, Digital Marketing Campaigns and Website Capability.

The startup element will offer a programme of workshops covering the key skills individuals need to start and establish new businesses including organisational structure, finance and marketing.

Cllr Carl Johnson, deputy mayor of North Tyneside Council and North of Tyne Combined Authority cabinet member for investment and resources, commented: “The North of Tyne Combined Authority and local authorities are tackling issues that affect local communities directly, by speaking to our residents across the region.

“Nowhere is this more true than in our Towns and High Streets Programme, where each of our local authorities will be listening to communities in Ashington, the Inner East of Newcastle, and Wallsend to test new models for high street transformation.

“Our high streets are the hub of community activity, from cafés to local shops where people meet and chat and share time together. We want people to enjoy their local spaces and their growing communities, and this investment will enrich vibrant forms of civic life and social and community action.”

Councillor Wojciech Ploszaj, cabinet member for Business with Northumberland County Council, added: “This is one of a number of initiatives coming to Ashington to improve the town and boost business.

“We want to attract and nurture new businesses while also helping those already established in the town to grow and we’d urge organisations to get involved and register their interest.”

By Matthew Neville – Correspondent, Bdaily

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