Festive boost offered to Tees Valley traders

A new support package has been launched in the Tees Valley to help small retailers maximise sales during the crucial Christmas trading period.

The initiative, led by the Tees Valley mayor and Combined Authority, will provide targeted guidance to high-street shops and independent businesses as they prepare for key shopping moments including Black Friday, Small Business Saturday and local festive events.

A series of workshops will be delivered in the coming weeks by North East retail consultant Graham Soult, a well-known champion of the UK high street and an expert in digital marketing. 

Sessions (see below) will run both in-person across Redcar & Cleveland, Hartlepool, Darlington, Middlesbrough and Stockton, as well as online, giving businesses practical, easy-to-implement tips to improve visibility and boost sales.

The in-person events will be held:  

• Redcar & Cleveland | Monday, November 17 – 17:00-18:30
• Hartlepool | Wednesday, November 19 – 17:00-18:30
• Darlington | Monday, November 24 – 17:30-19:00
• Middlesbrough | Tuesday, November 25 – 17:30-19:00
• Stockton | Monday, December 1 – 17:00-18:30  

Online sessions are available on: 

• Thursday, November 20, 16:00-17:00
• Monday, November 24, 12:00-13:00

The workshops are fully funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, ensuring free access for local businesses at a time when many face increasing pressures on margins.

Alongside the training, a wider “Shop Local” campaign is under way to highlight the independent retailers that keep Tees Valley high streets vibrant, encouraging residents to support local jobs and communities by spending close to home.

The support forms part of the Combined Authority’s wider package of grants, advice and business services designed to help companies across the region grow and thrive throughout the year.

Tees Valley mayor Ben Houchen said: “Your pound in your pocket goes so much further on your doorstep if you shop local.

“That money is so much more likely to be invested in your neighbourhood – boosting our high streets, helping our businesses and ensuring that money is invested across Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool.

“Ensuring our brilliant firms – often independent and family-owned – get the backing they need is vital and our Business Support team are there to make a big difference.

“I’d encourage everyone to back their local shops and stores all year round – not just at Christmas – and, if you’re a small business owner, book a session with us as it so often makes a big difference to your bottom line in the long run.”

Councillor Alec Brown, leader of Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council and Tees Valley Combined Authority cabinet member for business growth and net-zero, added: “Our high street businesses are hugely important and drive our communities by producing brilliant products and offering superb personal service.

“It’s more important than ever before for people to shop local as we approach Christmas and move into 2026 – and I’d urge small businesses to find out how the Business Support team can help give them the boost they need this winter.”

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