Former Darlington jockey reveals expansion plans for "digital high street" app

A North East entrepreneur is expanding and creating new jobs after setting up a “digital high street” app.

Roam Local, which was established by former jockey Andy Bartlett, has revealed national expansion plans after creating four jobs.

The app lists local businesses to allow visitors to get the most out of their time in a city, as well as allowing companies to market themselves to users of the platform.

The platform is currently in use in Grange Road in Darlington, as well as working with Stockton BID and similar BID initiatives in Yorkshire, covering 500 businesses in the North.

Andy commented: “I saw that there was a real need for a single source of information that would help people discover the hidden retail gems and perfect venues in places new to them quickly.

“The high street’s recent struggles also meant there was a great cause to support as well. The app is really a digital high street at people’s fingertips.

“My aim is to champion and support the independent high-street businesses that underpin local economies, help sustain local communities and bring businesses and consumers together to support each other.”