BUSINESSES are to be asked to work together to support Darlington as a the future base for business.

Representatives from local companies are invited to a meeting to be held at Lingfield Point, on McMullen Road, on Thursday, March 8, to give their ideas about how the town’s economy can grow in the coming years.

The ideas discussed at the meeting will be incorporated into the Darlington Partnership’s new economic strategy, which will guide the development of the local economy over the next five to ten years.

A number of business leaders have already been working with Darlington Partnership to shape the strategy and now other other interested parties across the town are being invited to have their say.

Nicola Reading, owner of Bliss Gifts, on Duke Street, who has been working on the strategy, said: “The event at Lingfield Point is a great chance for people who own or run a business, no matter how big or small, to come together and air their views on what they think the town is doing right or wrong in improving our economic outlook.

“Things can only be improved if people speak up and tell us what their concerns are.”

Chris McEwan, the council’s cabinet member for economy and regeneration, said: “This is an event that is being led by business, for business and will help put together an overall plan for ensuring the town continues to thrive and grow.

“We need to hear what those on the ground think and I urge anyone interested in the future of the local economy to have their say.”

Anyone interested in attending the event can e-mail darlington@tbr.co.uk for more information.

The findings from the event will be announced later this year with the unveiling of a new economic strategy for the town.