North East firms tap into Real Help to weather recession

Jan 28 2010 by Iain Laing, The Journal

THOUSANDS of people and companies across the North East have tapped into the support of the Real Help for Business and People Now campaign which began a year ago today.

The campaign, which is backed by the Journal, has helped quickly direct businesses across the North East to support to help them cope with the effects of the recession and prepare for the future.

More than 5,300 firms had business “health checks” from Business Link, nearly 7,000 have hit the campaign website offering advice and information and 450 got advice at the Real Help summer roadshows.

Hundreds found ways to win investment as well as getting advice from the campaign organisers led by public sector partners One North East, Business Link, nextstep, Learning and Skills Council North East, Jobcentre Plus, Government Office for the North East and the Association of North East Councils.

The campaign helps point people and businesses hit by the recession to the wealth of public support available to help them back into work, support companies or help people boost their skills.

Alan Clarke, One North East chief executive, said: “While it is very welcome news that the UK economy has emerged from recession, its effects are still being felt and will be for some time to come, so the campaign will continue to run, offering support to people and companies as our economy begins to recover and create new opportunities for people and businesses.

“At One North East, we have also moved to help people through the Talent Challenge project to help professionals seize new employment opportunities and supported viable firms with short-term cash flow problems through the £9m Transition Loan Fund.”